Nutritional condition in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Introduction and objectives. The importance of an adequate nutritional state in cystic fibrosis is well known and it is also known that it has an effect on the mortality and lung function of these patients. Our aim was to know nutritional status of a sample of pediatric cystic fibrosis patients.
Patients and methods. Descriptive cross-sectional study. 109 patients without pulmonary exacerbation, aged between 5 and 18, were recruited in five national cystic fibrosis units. Were divided into 3 groups according body mass index: malnourished, normal and overweight. Statistical analysis: oneway ANOVA, Bonferroni Post-hoc tests.
Results. The mean age was 12.65 ± 3.21 years, 47% were male. Fourteen patients (13%) were malnourished, 89 (82%) had normal nutritional status, and 6 patients (5%) were overweight. All groups had similar distribution by age, sex and CFTR mutation, although proportion of pancreatic sufficient (3/6, 50%) was higher in overweight patients (p=0.003). Mean weight, height and body mass index (expressed as Z score) were: -0.62 ± 0.78; -0.20 ± 1.18 and - 0.32 ± 0.84 DS respectively. We don't find differences in anthropometric data when we analyze by sex and age of the patients.
Conclusions. Despite advances in treatment, a significant percentage of cystic fibrosis patients are malnourished. Moreover, current lifestyle and nutritional support, could lead in a small percentage of patients the appearance of overnutrition problems.