BMJ  2006;332:618-619 (18 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7542.618

Editorial

Nutritional supplements in cystic fibrosis

A new study suggests they're ineffective, but concordance may have been poor

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

People with cystic fibrosis and their caregivers know that the better the patient's nutritional status, the better their survival, lung function, wellbeing, and mental capabilities.1-3 Poor nutrition is also associated with delayed puberty, a higher risk of pneumothorax, and a worse outcome after lung transplantation.4 5

The increased demand for energy in cystic fibrosis is well recognised.6 Despite this, almost 20% of children with cystic fibrosis fall below the fifth centile for weight set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,7 and their height and weight z scores often decline with age. Combating nutritional failure to ensure normal growth and weight gain is therefore a key challenge for the entire team—doctors, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, and social workers.

Nutritional management in cystic fibrosis is difficult for several medical and psychosocial reasons. One priority is the optimal medical management of malabsorption from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and deranged enterohepatic circulation of bile. . . . [Full text of this article]

Matthias Kappler, paediatrician, division of gastroenterology and cystic fibrosis

Dr v Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 80337 Munich, Germany
(Matthias.Kappler@med.uni-muenchen.de)

Matthias Griese, head of paediatric pulmonology

Dr v Haunersches Kinderspital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 80337 Munich, Germany


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Relevant Article

Oral protein energy supplements for children with cystic fibrosis: CALICO multicentre randomised controlled trial
Vanessa J Poustie, Jayne E Russell, Ruth M Watling, Deborah Ashby, Rosalind L Smyth CALICO Trial Collaborative Group
BMJ 2006 332: 632-636. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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