Abstract

MARTINEZ-COSTA, C. et al. Nutritional intervention in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: Relationship with pulmonary function. Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2005, vol.20, n.3, pp.182-188. ISSN 1699-5198.

Objective: To assess the effects of early and continuous nutritional intervention in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and its possible implication in pulmonary function. Patients and methods:Included is the follow-up of 19 patients with CF (11 female and 8 male children), from 17 months to 18 years of age, and a mean disease duration of 10 years. Genotype from 16 patients is delta F 508 (10 homozygotic, 6 heterozygotic). The following items have been performed every 2-3 months: clinical, dietary and anthropometrical assessment, classifying nutritional status (NS) by Z scores of weight/height, % of weight to height, body mass index, and Z scores of height/age. Concurrently, respiratory secretions culture and spiro-metry were obtained; and annually, biochemistry, hematologic and feces determinations. Nutritional intervention included: dietary recommendations, oral or invasive enteral nutrition (EN) and pharmacologic treatment with pancreatic enzymes, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and oligoelements. Results and commentaries:Most of them experienced anthropometrical improvement being significant for weight, the relationship of weight/height and the tricipital fold (p < 0.05). The Z score for height has remained steady. Sixteen patients (84%) have developed exocrine pancreatic failure, and 3 (16%) glucose intolerance. Fourteen (73%) have been colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Last mean spirometry values were: FVC (%) 85.4 ± 18.6 and FEV1 (%) 85.9 ± 24.1, with a significant correlation between % of weight to height and FVC (coefficient 0.552, p = 0.022) and FEV1 (coefficient 0.625, p = 0.007). Seventy nine percent have required some sort of nutritional support: 3 cases (16%) invasive EN, and the remaining oral EN. Conclusions: Without nutritional support, many patients with CF do not seem to meet their demands. EN monitoring allows for and early and effective intervention. A close correlation has been demonstrated between nutritional status and pulmonary function.

Keywords : Cystic fibrosis; Enteral nutrition; Hyponutrition; Nutritional assessment; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pulmonary function.

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