MEDICAL FILMS

Abstract

Cystic Fibrosis—NCFRF. 16 mm., color, sound, showing time 32 minutes. Produced in 1961 by Samuel L. Schulman for the National Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation, medical supervision by Giulio J. Barbero, M.D. Philadelphia. Procurable on purchase from National Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation, 521 Fifth Avenue, New York City 17. Procurable on loan from American Medical Association, Motion Picture Library, 535 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago 10. This film has been prepared to aid physicians in making a correct diagnosis and to instruct them in the techniques currently being used to prolong life in cases of cystic fibrosis. Following the introductoy remarks there is a good discussion of the presenting symptoms, the differential diagnosis, the multiple system involvement, hereditary aspects, therapy, and prognosis. The film brings out well the panexocrine involvement, the clinical variability, and the fact that the disease is not an all or none phenomenon but rather a disease of all grades of severity and is a disease in which no single test is applicable to the exclusion of others. The diagrams and patient demonstrations are good. Perhaps too much review of older methods of therapy and diagnosis is given, but this serves as a background for the newer recommended procedures. More emphasis could have been given to the tremendous burden, both financial and emotional, this disease is on parents. This is an excellent instructive film and it emphasizes the many problems of cystic fibrosis as related to the diagnostic tools available and to forms of therapy. The photography and sound are satisfactory. It is recommended for pediatricians, general practitioners, house staff, and medical students.