Highlights from the nutrition guidelines for cystic fibrosis in Australia and New Zealand

Evolution of nutritional management in children with cystic fibrosis - a narrative review

Nutrition has played a central role in the management and outcomes of people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) since the 1970s. Advances in therapies and practices in recent decades have led to a significant change in the patient landscape with dramatic improvements in life expectancy, as well as quality of life, bringing with it new issues. Historically, cystic fibrosis was a condition associated with childhood and malnutrition; however, changes in patient demographics, nutritional assessment and fundamental nutritional management have evolved, and it has become an increasingly prevalent adult disease with new nutritional challenges, including obesity. This paper aims to describe these changes and the impact and challenges they bring for those working in this field. Nutritional professionals will need to evolve, adapt and remain agile to the wider range of situations and support required for a new generation of pwCF. Specialised nutrition support will continue to be required, and it will be additionally important to improve and optimise quality of life and long-term health.

Standards for the care of people with cystic fibrosis; establishing and maintaining health

This is the second in a series of four papers updating the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS) standards for the care of people with CF. This paper focuses on establishing and maintaining health. The guidance is produced using an evidence-based framework and with wide stakeholder engagement, including people from the CF community. Authors provided a narrative description of their topic and statements, which were more directive. These statements were reviewed by a Delphi exercise, achieving good levels of agreement from a wide group for all statements. This guidance reinforces the importance of a multi-disciplinary CF team, but also describes developing models of care including virtual consultations. The framework for health is reinforced, including the need for a physically active lifestyle and the strict avoidance of all recreational inhalations, including e-cigarettes. Progress with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy is reviewed, including emerging adverse events and advice for dose reduction and interruption. This paper contains guidance that is pertinent to all people with CF regardless of age and eligibility for and access to modulator therapy.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Children - Challenges in Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the leading etiology for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in children, followed by chronic pancreatitis, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, and other genetic disorders. Management of EPI in children poses several unique challenges such as difficulties in early recognition, lack of widespread availability of diagnostic tests and limited number of pediatric-specific pancreatic centers. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is the cornerstone of EPI management and in young children difficulties in administering pancreatic enzymes are frequently encountered. Patients with EPI also should be screened for fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and receive appropriate supplementation. Among disorders with EPI in children, CF is the relatively well-studied condition, and most management recommendations for EPI in children come from expert consensus and conventional practice guidelines. The impact of EPI can be greater in children given their high metabolic demands and rapid growth. Early diagnosis and aggressive management of EPI prevent consequences of complications such as malnutrition, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies, and poor bone health and improve outcomes. Management by multi-disciplinary team is the key to success.

Evaluation and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: pearls and pitfalls

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The diagnosis and management of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPD) can be challenging. EPD classically results from conditions that cause loss of pancreatic acinar cell function and decreased digestive enzyme production. However, several conditions may contribute to signs or symptoms of EPD with otherwise normal pancreatic exocrine function. A thoughtful approach to considering these conditions, along with their specific therapies, can guide a tailored management approach.

RECENT FINDINGS

An EPD severity classification schema has been proposed, which emphasizes a shift towards a more restrictive prescription of pancreas enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) for patients with milder EPD. In contrast, PERT use has been associated with a measurable survival benefit among individuals with EPD and pancreatic cancer, so the prescription of PERT may be more liberal in this population. Recent publications in the cystic fibrosis population offer pearls guiding the titration and optimization of PERT.

SUMMARY

Among individuals with severe EPD, PERT is an effective therapy. Among individuals with milder EPD, although PERT is effective, there may be opportunities to provide additional and potentially more effective therapies.

A paradigm shift in cystic fibrosis nutritional care: Clinicians' views on the management of patients with overweight and obesity

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity among people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) has become more prevalent since the widespread adoption of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies and presents a new challenge for nutritional care. We aimed to explore how clinicians working in CF care approach the management of adults with overweight and obesity.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews with n = 20 clinicians (n = 6 physiotherapists, n = 6 doctors and n = 8 dietitians) working in 15 adult CF centres in the United Kingdom. The interviews explored their perspectives and current practices caring for people with CF and overweight/obesity. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four main themes were identified: 1) challenges of raising the topic of overweight and obesity in the CF clinic (e.g., clinician-patient rapport and concerns around weight stigma); 2) the changing landscape of assessment due to CF-specific causes of weight gain: (e.g., impact of CFTR modulators and CF legacy diet) 3) presence of clinical equipoise for weight management due to the lack of CF-specific evidence on the consequences of obesity and intentional weight loss (e.g., unclear consequences on respiratory outcomes and risk of weight related co-morbidities) and 4) opportunities for a safe, effective, and acceptable weight management treatment for people with CF (e.g., working collaboratively with current multidisciplinary CF care).

CONCLUSIONS

Approaching weight management in the CF setting is complex. Trials are needed to assess the equipoise of weight management interventions in this group and CF-specific issues should be considered when developing such interventions.

Hope in Every Breath: Navigating the Therapeutic Landscape of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) has long posed a complex challenge to medical science. Still, the tides are turning with remarkable progress in prognosis and demographics, thanks to cutting-edge medical management and treatment breakthroughs. It affects multiple systems, necessitating a comprehensive approach to its management. This article thoroughly reviews the latest advancements in CF treatment across three key areas: respiratory care, infection prevention, and pharmacological management. In respiratory care, emphasis is placed on airway clearance therapies and nebulized saline, while infection prevention strategies encompass hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and environmental cleaning and disinfection. Pharmacological management explores pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), antimicrobial treatments, cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) modulators, and promising gene therapies. Patient education and support are highlighted as crucial components of effective CF management, while mental health assessments are emphasized due to CF patients' susceptibility to anxiety and depression. This review highlights the tremendous progress made in the management of CF. Integrating early detection, infection prevention, pharmacological interventions, gene therapy, and patient support is revolutionizing the care and quality of life for individuals with CF.

Updates in Nutrition Management of Cystic Fibrosis in the Highly Effective Modulator Era

Attainment and maintenance of good nutrition has been an important aspect of management in cystic fibrosis (CF) for decades. In the era of highly effective modulator therapy for CF, the quality of the nutrients we recommend is increasingly important. Our therapy must support our patients' health for many years beyond what we previously thought. Preventing cardiovascular disease, reducing hyperlipidemia, and optimizing lean body mass for active, longer lives now join the long-standing goal of promoting lung function through nutrition. This chapter summarizes recent developments in nutrition in people with CF, with an eye to the evolution of our practice.

Survival of people with cystic fibrosis in Australia

Survival statistics, estimated using data from national cystic fibrosis (CF) registries, inform the CF community and monitor disease progression. This study aimed to estimate survival among people with CF in Australia and to identify factors associated with survival. This population-based cohort study used prospectively collected data from 23 Australian CF centres participating in the Australian CF Data Registry (ACFDR) from 2005-2020. Period survival analysis was used to calculate median age of survival estimates for each 5-year window from 2005-2009 until 2016-2020. The overall median survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Between 2005-2020 the ACFDR followed 4,601 people with CF, noting 516 (11.2%) deaths including 195 following lung transplantation. Out of the total sample, more than half (52.5%) were male and 395 (8.6%) had undergone lung transplantation. Two thirds of people with CF (66.1%) were diagnosed before six weeks of age or by newborn/prenatal screening. The overall median age of survival was estimated as 54.0 years (95% CI: 51.0-57.04). Estimated median survival increased from 48.9 years (95% CI: 44.7-53.5) for people with CF born in 2005-2009, to 56.3 years (95% CI: 51.2-60.4) for those born in 2016-2020. Factors independently associated with reduced survival include receiving a lung transplant, having low FEV₁pp and BMI. Median survival estimates are increasing in CF in Australia. This likely reflects multiple factors, including newborn screening, improvement in diagnosis, refinements in CF management and centre-based multidisciplinary care.

Magnesium Status and Calcium/Magnesium Ratios in a Series of Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential micronutrient that participates in various enzymatic reactions that regulate vital biological functions. The main aim was to assess the Mg status and its association with nutritional indicators in seventeen cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The serum Mg and calcium (Ca) levels were determined using standardized methods and the dietary Mg intake by prospective 72 h dietary surveys. The mean serum Ca (2.45 mmol/L) and Mg (0.82 mmol/L) had normal levels, and the mean dietary intake of the Ca (127% DRI: Dietary Reference Intake) and Mg (125% DRI) were high. No patients had an abnormal serum Ca. A total of 47% of the subjects had hypomagnesemia and 12% insufficient Mg consumption. One patient had a serum Mg deficiency and inadequate Mg intake. A total of 47 and 82% of our series had a high serum Ca/Mg ratio of >4.70 (mean 4.89) and a low Ca/Mg intake ratio of <1.70 (mean 1.10), respectively. The likelihood of a high Ca/Mg ratio was 49 times higher in patients with a serum Mg deficiency than in normal serum Mg patients. Both Ca/Mg ratios were associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and even several cancers. Therefore, 53% of the CF patients were at high risk of a Mg deficiency and developing other chronic diseases.

Brazilian Guidelines for Nutrition in Cystic Fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To develop a scientific consensus on nutrition in cystic fibrosis.

METHODS

Sixteen coordinators elaborated relevant questions on nutritional therapy in cystic fibrosis, which were divided into six sections: nutritional assessment, nutritional recommendations, nutritional intervention, dietary counseling, special situations and enzyme replacement, and gastrointestinal manifestations. Two to three specialists in the field were responsible for each section and obtaining answers formulated based on standardized bibliographic searches. The available literature was searched in the PubMed®/MEDLINE database, after training and standardization of search strategies, to write the best level of evidence for the questions elaborated. Issues related to disagreement were discussed until a consensus was reached among specialists, based on the current scientific literature.

RESULTS

Forty-two questions were prepared and objectively answered, resulting in a consensus of nutritional therapy in cystic fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

This work enabled establishing a scientific consensus for nutritional treatment of cystic fibrosis patients.

Cystic fibrosis related liver disease and endocrine considerations

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Development of CFLD adds significant morbidity and mortality to those with CF.

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CFLD is associated with an increased prevalence of endocrinopathies.

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Current treatment options for CFLD remain limited.

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Early recognition and treatment of CFLD associated conditions is critical.

Cystic fibrosis-liver disease (CFLD) is one of the most common non-pulmonary complications in the CF population, is associated with significant morbidity and represents the third leading cause of mortality in those with CF. CFLD encompasses a broad spectrum of hepatobiliary manifestations ranging from mild transaminitis, biliary disease, hepatic steatosis, focal biliary cirrhosis and multilobular biliary cirrhosis. The diagnosis of CFLD and prediction of disease progression remains a clinical challenge. The identification of novel CFLD biomarkers as well as the role of newer imaging techniques such as elastography to allow for early detection and intervention are active areas of research focus. Biliary cirrhosis with portal hypertension represents the most severe spectrum of CFLD, almost exclusively develops in the pediatric population, and is associated with a decline in pulmonary function, poor nutritional status, and greater risk of hospitalization. Furthermore, those with CFLD are at increased risk for vitamin deficiencies and endocrinopathies including CF-related diabetes, CF-related bone disease and hypogonadism, which can have further implications on disease outcomes and management. Effective treatment for CFLD remains limited and current interventions focus on optimization of nutritional status, identification and treatment of comorbid conditions, as well as early detection and management of CFLD specific sequelae such as portal hypertension or variceal bleeding. The extent to which highly effective modulator therapies may prevent the development or modify the progression of CFLD remains an active area of research. In this review, we discuss the challenges with defining and evaluating CFLD and the endocrine considerations and current management of CFLD.

Treatment of cystic fibrosis related bone disease

The advent of highly effective CFTR modulator therapies has slowed the progression of pulmonary complications in people with cystic fibrosis. There is increased interest in cystic fibrosis bone disease (CFBD) due to the increasing longevity of people with cystic fibrosis. CFBD is a complex and multifactorial disease. CFBD is a result of hypomineralized bone leading to poor strength, structure and quality leading to susceptibility to fractures. The development of CFBD spans different age groups. The management must be tailored to each group with nuance and based on available guidelines while balancing therapeutic benefits to risks of long-term use of bone-active medication. For now, the mainstay of treatment includes bisphosphonates. However, the long-term effects of bisphosphonate treatment in people with CF are not fully understood. We describe newer agents available for osteoporosis treatment. Still, the lack of data behooves trials of monoclonal antibodies treatments such as Denosumab and Romozosumab and anabolic bone therapy such as teriparatide and Abaloparatide. In this review, we also summarize screening and non-pharmacologic treatment of CFBD and describe the various options available for the pharmacotherapy of CFBD. We address the prospect of CFTR modulators on bone health while awaiting long-term trials to describe the effects of these medications on bone health.

Understanding Cystic Fibrosis Comorbidities and Their Impact on Nutritional Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, multisystem disease with multiple comorbidities that can significantly affect nutrition and quality of life. Maintaining nutritional adequacy can be challenging in people with cystic fibrosis and has been directly associated with suboptimal clinical outcomes. Comorbidities of CF can result in significantly decreased nutritional intake and intestinal absorption, as well as increased metabolic demands. It is crucial to utilize a multidisciplinary team with expertise in CF to optimize growth and nutrition, where patients with CF and their loved ones are placed in the center of the care model. Additionally, with the advent of highly effective modulators (HEMs), CF providers have begun to identify previously unrecognized nutritional issues, such as obesity. Here, we will review and summarize commonly encountered comorbidities and their nutritional impact on this unique population.

Nutrition in Cystic Fibrosis—Some Notes on the Fat Recommendations

Nutrition is important in cystic fibrosis (CF) because the disease is associated with a higher energy consumption, special nutritional deficiencies, and malabsorption mainly related to pancreatic insufficiency. The clinical course with deterioration of lung function has been shown to relate to nutrition. Despite general recommendation of high energy intake, the clinical deterioration is difficult to restrain suggesting that special needs have not been identified and specified. It is well-known that the CF phenotype is associated with lipid abnormalities, especially in the essential or conditionally essential fatty acids. This review will concentrate on the qualitative aspects of fat metabolism, which has mainly been neglected in dietary fat recommendations focusing on fat quantity. For more than 60 years it has been known and confirmed that the patients have a deficiency of linoleic acid, an n-6 essential fatty acid of importance for membrane structure and function. The ratio between arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, conditionally essential fatty acids of the n-6 and n-3 series, respectively, is often increased. The recently discovered relations between the CFTR modulators and lipid metabolism raise new interests in this field and together with new technology provide possibilities to specify further specify personalized therapy.

Overweight and cystic fibrosis: An unexpected challenge

Achieving a healthy weight balance has been a central focus of care for people who have cystic fibrosis (CF). Over the years, the emphasis has primarily been on promoting weight gain to optimize pulmonary outcomes. With continued improvements in CF care, including highly effective CF modulators available for many people, the CF community is now experiencing a new challenge: addressing the concern that some people are gaining weight excessively. While at this time, we do not know to what extent overweight and obesity will affect health outcomes for people with CF, it is likely that excessive weight gain may have negative health impacts similar to those seen in the general population. In this paper, we review the history of nutritional guidelines for people with CF, as well as more recent trends toward overweight and obesity for some. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to collaboratively start the oftentimes difficult conversation regarding excessive weight gain, and to identify resources to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight through diet, exercise, and behavioral modification.

Recent advances in the early treatment of cystic fibrosis: Bridging the gap to highly effective modulator therapy

Highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT) for cystic fibrosis (CF) has been touted as one of the greatest advances to date in CF care. As these therapies are now available for many older children and adults with CF, marked improvement of their nutritional status, pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms has been observed. However, most infants and younger children are not current candidates for HEMT due to age and/or cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation. For these young children, it is essential to provide rigorous monitoring and care to avoid potential disease sequelae while awaiting HEMT availability. The following article highlights recent advances in the care of infants and young children with CF with regard to surveillance and treatment of nutritional, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal disorders. Recent clinical trials in this population are also reviewed.

Intestinal Inflammation and Alterations in the Gut Microbiota in Cystic Fibrosis: A Review of the Current Evidence, Pathophysiology and Future Directions

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting autosomal recessive multisystem disease. While its burden of morbidity and mortality is classically associated with pulmonary disease, CF also profoundly affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Chronic low-grade inflammation and alterations to the gut microbiota are hallmarks of the CF intestine. The etiology of these manifestations is likely multifactorial, resulting from cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction, a high-fat CF diet, and the use of antibiotics. There may also be a bidirectional pathophysiological link between intestinal inflammation and changes to the gut microbiome. Additionally, a growing body of evidence suggests that these GI manifestations may have significant clinical associations with growth and nutrition, quality of life, and respiratory function in CF. As such, the potential utility of GI therapies and long-term GI outcomes are areas of interest in CF. Further research involving microbial modulation and multi-omics techniques may reveal novel insights. This article provides an overview of the current evidence, pathophysiology, and future research and therapeutic considerations pertaining to intestinal inflammation and alterations in the gut microbiota in CF.

Impact of guideline-recommended dietitian assessments on weight gain in infants with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF)-specialized nutrition care strives to meet normal infant growth, but the relationship of dietitian assessments to weight outcomes is unknown. We characterize nutrition management for inadequate weight gain and assess association of dietitian assessments and center-level weight-for-age Z-scores (WAZ).

METHODS

We used encounter data from 226 infants across 28 US CF Centers from the Baby Observational Nutritional study between January 2012 through December 2017. We identified dietitian assessments and consensus guideline-recommended responses to inadequate weight gain: calorie increases, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) increases, or shortened time to next visit. We compared center assessments by funnel plot and summarize median WAZ by center.

RESULTS

Of 2,527 visits, 808 (32%) visits had identified inadequate weight gain, distributed in 216 infants. Assessments occurred in 1953 visits (77%), but varied widely between centers (range 17% - 98%). For inadequate weight gain, most and least common responses were calorie increase (64%) and PERT increase (21%). Funnel plot analysis identified 4 high-performers for frequent dietitian assessments (range 92% - 98%) and 4 under-performers (range 17% - 56%). High-performers treated inadequate weight gain more often with adequate calories (24/30, 80% v. 12/23, 52%) and closer follow up (104/164, 63% v. 60/120, 49%) compared to under-performers. Three of 4 high-performing sites met center nutrition goals for positive median WAZ at 2 years old unlike 3 under-performers (WAZ_High 0.33 v. WAZ_Low -0.15), despite similar patient characteristics.

CONCLUSION

We characterized multicenter variation in dietitian assessments, identifying opportunities to improve care delivery to target early nutrition outcomes.

Might Routine Vitamin A Monitoring in Cystic Fibrosis Patients Reduce Virus-Mediated Lung Pathology?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive gene disorder that affects tens of thousands of patients worldwide. Individuals with CF often succumb to progressive lung disease and respiratory failure following recurrent infections with bacteria. Viral infections can also damage the lungs and heighten the CF patient's susceptibility to bacterial infections and long-term sequelae. Vitamin A is a key nutrient important for immune health and epithelial cell integrity, but there is currently no consensus as to whether vitamin A should be monitored in CF patients. Here we evaluate previous literature and present results from a CF mouse model, showing that oral vitamin A supplements significantly reduce lung lesions that would otherwise persist for 5-6 weeks post-virus exposure. Based on these results, we encourage continued research and suggest that programs for the routine monitoring and regulation of vitamin A levels may help reduce virus-induced lung pathology in CF patients.

The effect of an intensive residential rehabilitation program on body composition in patients with cystic fibrosis

The pulmonary function of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is associated with nutritional status not only expressed as body mass index (BMI) but also as fat-free mass index (FFMI). This study evaluated the effect of a residential rehabilitation program on nutritional status (BMI, FFMI). The rehabilitation program provided supervised respiratory and nutritional treatment and daily physical activity for 3 weeks (median stay 20 (19-25) days). At the start and the end of the program, weight, height, pulmonary function, and body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were prospectively collected. Supervised weighed food records were obtained, and physical activity intensity was measured using a SenseWear Pro3 Armband. CF-related complications were collected from the patient. Thirty-four patients (21 males, median age 18 years old (12-27)) were included. The diet contained a median of 30 EN% fat, 16 EN% protein, and 52 EN% of carbohydrates. A significant median weight gain (+1.45 kg (0.58; 2.6) (p < 0.0001) and a significant increase in BMI (+0.24 kg/m² (0.11; 0.38)) (p < 0.0001), FFMI (+0.26 kg/m² (0.01; 0.55)) (p < 0.0001), and FMI (+0.19 kg/m² (0.04; 0.41)) (p < 0.0001) were obtained.Conclusion: A short rehabilitation program in individuals with CF between 6 and 40 years old is able to improve nutritional status and body composition.Trial registration: NCT04527796 What is Known: • Fat-free mass depletion is frequently present in CF. • In CF pulmonary function is associated with nutritional status measured as body mass index but also fat-free mass index. What is New: • Nutritional status and body composition improve significantly after a short-term rehabilitation program. • The rehabilitation program was able to improve nutritional outcome even with a diet containing less fat than currently advised in the guidelines.

Redesign of the Australian Cystic Fibrosis Data Registry: A multidisciplinary collaboration

Clinical registries that monitor and review outcomes for patients with cystic fibrosis have existed internationally for many decades. However, their purpose continues to evolve and now includes the capability to support clinical effectiveness research, clinical trials and Phase IV studies, and international data comparisons and projects. To achieve this, registries must regularly update the information that they collect and ensure design that is adaptable and flexible to changing needs. The Australian Cystic Fibrosis Data Registry commenced in 1998, and in 2018-19 undertook a transformation to enable it to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders into the future. This included a comprehensive, multidisciplinary review of the registry's data elements, and a redesign and rebuild of the registry's database. The data element review comprised the processes of alignment, comparison, selection, consolidation, revision and definition of finalised data elements. The database redesign included attention to each of the registry functions of data collection, storage and management, and reporting. The revision of a national data collection system is a time-intensive process, and requires significant clinical and other expert engagement. The resulting database, while being continually refined, is now fit for purpose to support Australian clinicians and patients with CF to receive best practice care.

Severe Genotype, Pancreatic Insufficiency and Low Dose of Pancreatic Enzymes Associate with Abnormal Serum Sterol Profile in Cystic Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Several factors could lead to lipid disturbances observed in cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aimed to assess sterol homeostasis in CF and define potential exogenous and endogenous determinants of lipid dysregulation.

METHODS

The study involved 55 CF patients and 45 healthy subjects (HS). Sterol concentrations (μg/dL) were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. CF was characterised by lung function, pancreatic status, liver disease and diabetes coexistence, Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonisation and BMI. CFTR genotypes were classified as severe or other.

RESULTS

Campesterol and β-sitosterol concentrations were lower (p = 0.0028 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and lathosterol levels (reflecting endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis) were higher (p = 0.0016) in CF patients than in HS. Campesterol and β-sitosterol concentrations were lower in patients with a severe CFTR genotype, pancreatic insufficiency and lower pancreatic enzyme dose (lipase units/gram of fat). In multiple regression analyses, β-sitosterol and campesterol concentrations were predicted by genotype and pancreatic insufficiency, whereas cholesterol and its fractions were predicted by phytosterol concentrations, age, dose of pancreatic enzymes, nutritional status and genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent determinants of lipid status suggest that malabsorption and pancreatic enzyme supplementation play a significant role in sterol abnormalities. The measurement of campesterol and β-sitosterol concentrations in CF patients may serve for the assessment of the effectiveness of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy and/or compliance, but further research is required.

Body composition and weight changes after ivacaftor treatment in adults with cystic fibrosis carrying the G551 D cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator mutation: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study with open-label extension

OBJECTIVES

In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who carry the G551D mutation, treatment with ivacaftor improves lung function and weight; however, short- and long-term impacts on body composition have not been well studied.

METHODS

Twenty adults with CF carrying the G551D mutation (mean ± standard deviation body mass index [BMI] 23.3 ± 4.3 kg/m²) were recruited for a single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 28-d, crossover study of ivacaftor, followed by an open-label extension (OLE) for 5 mo. Eleven patients underwent measurements 2 y later. The study variables included weight, BMI, and body composition (including fat-free mass [FFM] and fat mass).

RESULTS

After 28 d of treatment with ivacaftor, weight increased by 1.1 ± 1.3 kg, BMI by 0.4 ± 0.5 kg/m², and FFM by 1.1 ± 1.2 kg (all P < .005) with no change in fat mass. Differences between 28-d changes on ivacaftor and placebo were not statistically significant. In the following 5 mo of the OLE, there were significant increases in weight (1.2 ± 1.9 kg; P < .05) and fat mass (1.5 ± 1.9 kg; P < .01), but not in FFM. Between baseline and the end of the OLE, the total weight gain was 2.5 ± 2.4 kg (P < .005), comprised of 0.9 ± 1.5 kg FFM (P < .05) and 1.6 ± 1.8 kg fat mass (P < .005). For the 11 participants who were followed for a further 2 y, no further changes in mean weight, BMI, or body composition parameters between 6 mo and 2 y later were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Small gains were seen in FFM in the first month of ivacaftor treatment. Weight, BMI, and fat-mass gains in the first 6 mo on ivacaftor plateaued by 2.5 y. The metabolic and clinical consequences of weight and fat-mass gains remain to be determined.

Vitamin D supplementation in patients with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite routine supplementation, vitamin D insufficiency is often seen in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients on account of pancreatic insufficiency. Vitamin D is a crucial component of bone health and affects nearly all cells of the immune system. However, clinical benefits or harms associated with supplementation are poorly documented. In this systematic review, we included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared vitamin D supplementation with placebo (i.e. 'non-increased dose') in CF patients. Analysing the 8 included RCTs, the intervention group had significantly higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (se25OHD) levels, but there were no significant differences found in the quantitative synthesis of clinical outcomes, including bone disease-, respiratory status- and immunological status-related outcomes. Based on our current results, while a higher vitamin D dose elevates se25OHD, it does not seem to influence clinical outcomes. Future RCTs should include outcomes of past studies and apply longer follow-up periods to document long-term patient-important outcomes.

Adherence to Dietary Recommendations, Nutrient Intake Adequacy and Diet Quality among Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Patients: Results from the GreeCF Study

Nutrition is an important component of cystic fibrosis (CF) therapy, with a high-fat diet being the cornerstone of treatment. However, adherence to the dietary recommendations for CF appears suboptimal and burdensome for most children and adolescents with CF, leading to malnutrition, inadequate growth, compromised lung function and increased risk for respiratory infections. A cross-sectional approach was deployed to examine the degree of adherence to the nutrition recommendations and diet quality among children with CF. A total of 76 children were recruited from Aghia Sophia’s Children Hospital, in Athens, Greece. In their majority, participants attained their ideal body weight, met the recommendations for energy and fat intake, exceeding the goal for saturated fatty acids consumption. Carbohydrate and fiber intake were suboptimal and most participants exhibited low or mediocre adherence to the Mediterranean diet prototype. It appears that despite the optimal adherence to the energy and fat recommendations, there is still room for improvement concerning diet quality and fiber intake.

Sodium Status and Replacement in Children and Adults Living with Cystic Fibrosis: A Narrative Review

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a two- to four-fold higher sodium chloride sweat content compared with healthy controls. This high sweat salt loss increases the risk for electrolyte disturbances, associated with subacute or chronic complications. Sodium status therefore needs to be adequately monitored and salt intake adjusted to individual needs. The lack of current evidence to formulate specific recommendations and assess sodium status is reflected in a variability of recommendations in international guidelines. This narrative review presents an overview of the current evidence. Infants with CF in particular are at risk for severe sodium deficiency, potentially leading to metabolic alkalosis due to low intake and high sweat losses. More research on the assessment of sodium status and efficacy of sodium chloride supplements in the population of patients with CF, especially given the changing era of CF transmembrane conductance regulator modulatory treatment, is warranted.