Diagnosis and treatment of endocrine comorbidities in patients with cystic fibrosis

Prevalence and risk factors for abnormal glucose metabolism in first-episode and drug-naïve major depressive disorder outpatients with comorbid anxiety: A cross-sectional study from a large sample of the Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

Both abnormal glucose metabolism and anxiety have been reported to be common in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, few studies have explored glucose disturbances in first-episode and drug-naive (FEDN) MDD patients with anxiety. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of glucose disturbance in FEND MDD patients comorbid with anxiety.

METHODS

1718 FEDN MDD patients were included in this study. The positive subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) were used to measure psychotic, anxiety and depressive symptoms respectively. Sociodemographic and biochemical indicators were also collected.

RESULTS

The prevalence of glucose disorders in MDD patients combined with anxiety was 15.7 %, significantly higher than in MDD patients without anxiety symptoms (7.1 %). Glucose disturbances were associated with HAMD score, HAMA score, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), anti-thyroglobulin (TGAb), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), suicide attempts, and psychotic symptoms. Further logistic regression showed that illness duration, TSH, TGAb, and TPOAb levels were correlates of glucose disturbances in MDD patients with anxiety.

LIMITATIONS

No causal relationship could be drawn due to the cross-sectional design.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that TSH, TGAb and TPOAb may be promising biomarkers of glucose disturbances in MDD comorbid with anxiety, suggesting the importance of regular assessment of thyroid function parameters for abnormal glucose metabolism prevention.

Vitamin D deficiency in patients with cystic fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Vitamin D is a prominent modulator of immunity and respiratory function. It plays a vital role in respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). S. However, there is a dearth of information on patients with CF. The purpose of the meta-analysis is to highlight the importance of following the existing guidelines regarding maintenance of Vitamin D serum levels in patients with CF.

METHODS

The systematic search was conducted without utilizing any time or language limitations in original database from the beginning until March 2022. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was determined by I2 statistics and Cochrane Q test.

RESULTS

Pooled analysis using the random-effects model of the 8 case-control studies with 13 effect sizes revealed that the serum 25-OH-vitamin D in participants with cystic fibrosis was significantly lower than controls in pediatrics and adolescences (WMD: - 3.41 ng/ml, 95% CI - 5.02, - 1.80, p =  < 0.001) and adults (WMD: - 2.60 ng/ml, 95% CI - 4.32, - 0.89, p = 0.003). Based on data from 12 studies (21 effect sizes) with a total of 1622 participants, the prevalence of vitamin D levels of 20-30 ng/ml in CF patients was 36% among pediatrics/adolescents and 63% among adults. In addition, 27% of pediatric/adolescent CF patients and 35% of adult CF patients had vitamin D levels of below 20 ng/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result, according to the existing guidelines, our results proved the need to pay attention to the level of vitamin D in these patients.

Acute soluble fibre supplementation has no impact on reducing post-prandial glucose excursions in adults with cystic fibrosis and glucose intolerance

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF)-related diabetes (CFRD) is a common comorbidity in CF. In CFRD, fasting blood glucose level is often normal, but post-prandial glycaemia (PPG) is problematic. Elevated PPG has been associated to a higher risk of developing CFRD, a worst clinical state and a lower pulmonary function. Interventional studies in type 2 diabetes have demonstrated a beneficial impact of fibre supplement on PPG.

METHODS

Our objective is to evaluate the efficiency of 2 doses of a soluble fibre supplement to lower PPG in CF patients with glucose intolerance (pre-diabetic or CFRD patients). This is a double-blinded crossover interventional study with three interventions: placebo or psyllium fibre (5.1g or 7.7g) of soluble fibre consumed before breakfast. A second meal (lunch) is also eaten four hours later to evaluate a second meal effect. Blood glucose and insulin were measured during the interventions.

RESULTS

In 14 adult CF patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; n=10) or CFRD (n=4), we observed no beneficial effect of fibre supplementation on PPG for both meals. However, all blood glucose levels were lower after the lunch compared to breakfast in spite of the higher carbohydrate content.

CONCLUSION

An acute treatment with fibre supplementation had no effect on blood glucose control in patients with CF-IGT or CFRD.

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.

Predicting glycemic control status and high blood glucose levels through voice characteristic analysis in patients with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD)

Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is associated with reduced life expectancy in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). Voice analysis may be a convenient method for diagnosing and monitoring CFRD. This study aims to determine the relationship between voice characteristics and markers of glucose and glycemic control and to identify if voice analysis can predict high blood glucose levels and glycemic control in adults with CFRD. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in adults with CF from March to December 2021. We recorded 3-second voice samples of a sustained /a/ vowel and analyzed voice characteristic using the Computerized Speech Lab with the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program. In female participants with CFRD, the noise-to-harmonic ratio was significantly lower in those with HbA1c ≥ 7. Furthermore, fundamental frequency variation was significantly lower in both male and female participants with CFRD who had a glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher at the time of collection. This finding was also associated with a high level of point-of-care glucose. The human voice has potential as a non-invasive tool for measuring glucose levels and glycemic control status in CFRD patients in the future.

The use of DXA for early detection of pediatric cystic fibrosis-related bone disease

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis (CF)-related bone disease (CFBD) is seen in adults and can be associated with respiratory illness and malnutrition. There is limited and conflicting data regarding CFBD in pediatric CF. With longer life expectancy and promotion of disease prevention, pediatric CFBD demands further investigation.

METHODS

Our center initiated a quality improvement (QI) project from April 2016 to December 2018 to improve CFBD screening in patients 8 years or older, per current CF Foundation (CFF) guidelines. Our team formulated a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan algorithm based upon degree of bone mineral density (BMD); shared CFBD guideline recommendations in our quarterly newsletter; and ordered scans for eligible patients at weekly review meetings. We reviewed DXA results from 141 patients after institutional review board approval and gathered data including comorbidities, genetics, anthropometric measures, medication exposure, and relevant serum studies.

RESULTS

Fifty-three percent of our patients had normal BMD (n = 75). Seventeen patients (12%) had a Z score ≤ -2. Patients with lower BMD also had lower mean forced expiratory volume (FEV₁ ) percent predicted (FEV₁ %) (p < 0.001) as well as lower body mass index % (p = 0.001). Patients with lower BMD were overall older at time of DXA (p = 0.016). During study duration, 13 patients who had abnormal DXA results underwent repeat DXAs after physical therapy; 11 of the 13 showed improvement in DXA results.

CONCLUSIONS

A DXA scan is a useful screening tool and can be used to identify pediatric patients who could benefit from further therapy and interventions to preserve adequate bone health and avoid further loss. QI initiatives can lead to improved screening and diagnosis and earlier intervention such as physical therapy. Further studies are needed to better understand the utility of physical therapy in children with CF.

Exploring parental cystic fibrosis disclosure to well children

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease and chronic illness, affects multiple organ systems and requires exceptional medical care and treatment. Few studies have assessed the diagnosis disclosure process to well children when their sibling(s) have CF, and none have evaluated the association between parental knowledge of CF and the disclosure of CF. The objectives of this study were to assess parental understanding of CF, demonstrate the most commonly shared topics and their frequencies of discussion with well children, and identify associations between parental understanding of CF and aspects of the disclosure process to well children. Parents were recruited from CF support organizations and asked to complete an online, anonymous survey. Individuals were eligible to participate in the study if they had at least one living child with CF and at least one living child without CF. Completed surveys from 48 individuals revealed that most parents began discussing a sibling's diagnosis of CF with the first-born well child at 5.4 years old. Topics related to CF were discussed openly and as needed with their well children (n = 44). The most frequently discussed topic, and the topic ranked most important (1.93 of 5, SD: 1.17) by 40 participants (90.9%), was medical concerns and treatment for CF. Fewer parents (n = 18, 40.9%) reported discussing the financial impact of CF, and many ranked this as least important to share (4.64 of 5, SD: 0.75). The CF knowledge assessment revealed that participants were well-informed about CF, with a mean total score of 8.9/10 (SD: 0.91). There were no associations between CF knowledge assessment scores, education level, income, and the topics discussed with well children. These results can be utilized by genetic counselors and other healthcare specialists in discussion with parents about the disclosure process of a diagnosis of CF to well children.

MicroRNA global profiling in cystic fibrosis cell lines reveals dysregulated pathways related with inflammation, cancer, growth, glucose and lipid metabolism, and fertility: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Cystic fibrosis (CF), is due to CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) loss of function, and is associated with comorbidities. The increasing longevity of CF patients has been associated with increased cancer risk besides the other known comorbidities. The significant heterogeneity among patients, suggests potential epigenetic regulation. Little attention has been given to how CFTR influences microRNA (miRNA) expression and how this may impact on biological processes and pathways.

METHODS

We assessed the changes in miRNAs and subsequently identified the affected molecular pathways using CFBE41o-, and IB3 human immortalized cell lines since they reflect the most common genetic mutations in CF patients, and 16HBE14o- cells were used as controls.

RESULTS

In the CF cell lines, 41 miRNAs showed significant changes (FC (log2) ≥ +2 or FC (log2) ≤ -2 and p-value≤0.05). Gene target analysis evidenced 511 validated miRNA target genes. Gene Ontology analysis evidenced cancer, inflammation, body growth, glucose, and lipid metabolism as the biological processes most impacted by these miRNAs. Protein-protein interaction and pathway analysis highlighted 50 significantly enriched pathways among which RAS, TGF beta, JAK/STAT and insulin signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

CFTR loss of function is associated with changes in the miRNA network, which regulates genes involved in the major comorbidities that affect CF patients suggesting that further research is warranted.

Eating disorders and body image in cystic fibrosis

Eating disorders and disturbed body image have been reported in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and may contribute to poor weight gain, reduced lung function and increased mortality. CF individuals often look and feel different from their peers and bear the additional burden of body-altering side effects of treatment. As a result, the impact of disorders such as binge eating, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa may adversely affect the social, emotional, and physical development of those with CF.

Multiple risk factors may contribute to the development of an eating disorder in CF. Growth failure is affected by the physical impairments of CF, including pancreatic insufficiency, high energy demands, respiratory infections, and delayed and stunted growth and puberty. Psychological factors, such as CF associated depression and anxiety, intense focus on BMI, lack of control in a chronic disease, and preoccupation with morbidity and mortality, likely further contribute. Exercise inefficiency, secondary to poor lung function, low BMI and pulmonary exacerbations, and the potential for medication manipulation are also additional risk factors.

The intense scrutiny around BMI may lead to a poor relationship with food, including disordered eating habits, abnormal mealtime behaviors, and stressful caregiver-patient interactions regarding meals. This further contributes to a discrepancy between ideal CF nutritional standards and the reality of the challenges of appropriate daily energy intake for an individual with CF.

It is imperative that CF providers are equipped to identify potential eating disorders and disturbed body image in their CF patients. Improved screening and monitoring practices should be developed and implemented, with multidisciplinary support from all CF care team members, including dietitians, mental health professionals, and social workers, to best support holistic care and optimize outcomes. Increased attention to these concerns may help reduce CF related morbidity and mortality.

Automatic referrals within a cystic fibrosis multidisciplinary clinic improve patient evaluation and management

AUTOMATIC REFERRALS WITHIN A CYSTIC FIBROSIS MULTIDISCIPLINARY CLINIC IMPROVE PATIENT EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT.

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects multiple systems beyond the pulmonary system, including the gastrointestinal and endocrine systems. Many CF clinics focus on pulmonary effects, initiating referrals to other specialties only when a condition has been identified by the primary pulmonary team. Unfortunately, many extrapulmonary manifestations of cystic fibrosis may be overlooked. Thus, implementing a multidisciplinary clinic with automatic referrals to designated subspecialists may improve patient care.

Methods

This retrospective review of medical records examined the effects of integrating a pediatric endocrinologist into the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center Pediatric CF Clinic in March 2017. In this new CF/Endocrinology clinic, all patients scheduled to see a pulmonologist were automatically referred to pediatric endocrinology. We compared rates of referrals to pediatric endocrinology, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), and bone density (DEXA) scans before (2013–2016) and after (2017–2020) implementation of this clinic. We also recorded endocrine disorders being evaluated and/or treated after implementation.

Results

The rate of referral to pediatric endocrinology increased from before (4%) to after (82%) (p < 0.0001) implementation of the CF/Endocrinology Clinic. OGTT and DEXA scan screening rates also increased from 7% to 65% (p < 0.0001) and from 6% to 63% (p = 0.0011), respectively. Before implementation, patients were evaluated by endocrinology primarily for CF-related diabetes. After implementation, the diversity of endocrine conditions under evaluation and/or management increased substantially; the most common were vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (37.2% of clinic patients), glycemic dysregulation (36.8%), and poor weight gain/failure to thrive (17.5%).

Conclusion

Implementing a multidisciplinary CF clinic with automatic referrals to pediatric endocrinology improves patient care by promoting early detection and management of endocrine concerns that may have been overlooked and by increasing OGTT and DEXA screening rates.

Common Electrolyte and Metabolic Abnormalities Among Thyroid Patients

The prevalence of thyroid diseases is high in the general population and causes serious abnormalities and disorders that can affect the quality of life. Many complications can result from poor or inappropriate management of the disease, leading to serious cardiovascular and metabolic complications. In the present review study, we aim to discuss the effect of thyroid diseases on metabolic and electrolyte abnormalities and the potential correlation with some common disorders. Evidence from previous studies has demonstrated that thyroid dysfunctions hugely affect the metabolism of glucose in the bodies of the affected patients, which can lead to the development of both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Hyperthyroidism can lead to the development of impaired glucose tolerance and secondary diabetes mellitus. These include an increased glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis process, increased intestinal absorption of glucose, and secondary ketogenesis and lipolysis, which will subsequently affect the functions of the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas. Evidence showed that thyroid diseases are associated with the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome, and the management for these modalities should involve prior management of underlying thyroid diseases. Efforts should be made to adequately manage these cases with concomitant approaches to achieve the best clinical outcomes.

Vitamin D for the Immune System in Cystic Fibrosis (DISC): a double-blind, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have increased risk of vitamin D deficiency owing to fat malabsorption and other factors. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of pulmonary exacerbations of CF.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this study was to examine the impact of a single high-dose bolus of vitamin D3 followed by maintenance treatment given to adults with CF during an acute pulmonary exacerbation on future recurrence of pulmonary exacerbations.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, intent-to-treat clinical trial. Subjects with CF were randomly assigned to oral vitamin D3 given as a single dose of 250,000 International Units (IU) or to placebo within 72 h of hospital admission for an acute pulmonary exacerbation, followed by 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 or an identically matched placebo pill taken orally every other week starting at 3 mo after random assignment. The primary outcome was the composite endpoint of the time to next pulmonary exacerbation or death within 1 y. The secondary outcomes included circulating concentrations of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin and recovery of lung function as assessed by the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%).

RESULTS

A total of 91 subjects were enrolled in the study. There were no differences between the vitamin D3 and placebo groups in time to next pulmonary exacerbation or death at 1 y. In addition, there were no differences in serial recovery of lung function after pulmonary exacerbation by FEV1% or in serial concentrations of plasma cathelicidin.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D3 initially given at the time of pulmonary exacerbation of CF did not alter the time to the next pulmonary exacerbation, 12-mo mortality, serial lung function, or serial plasma cathelicidin concentrations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01426256.

Standardized clinical criteria and sweat test combined as a tool to diagnose Cystic Fibrosis

Context

CF is under-diagnosed in Ecuador; one out of every 11,252 live births born in Ecuador could have CF.

Aim

To analyze the clinical findings, based on previously established criteria, with the results of the sweat test, in circumstances where we do not have the routine molecular study.

Methods

Epidemiological, observational, analytic, cross-sectional study. It analyzed 180 patients clinically suspected of CF. Inclusion criteria: children of both sexes older than 30 days and younger than 12 years, who meet at least three clinical criteria suggestive for CF, outpatient and referred by a specialist physician who made a preliminary diagnosis. This is a pilot study.

Results

The combination of criteria pneumonia, chronic cough and chronic obstructive bronchial syndrome is the most frequent, with not a significant relationship with a positive sweat test. On the contrary, a significant relationship was found between the clinical combinations of pneumonia with cough and rhinosinusitis; pneumonia with cough; presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and pneumonia with digital cough and clubbing, so it is recommended to perform the test in all these associations. The most frequent clinical criterion for the reference and performance of the electrolyte test in sweat is pneumonia to repeat for two or more episodes.

Conclusion

Clinical combinations of pneumonia with cough and rhinosinusitis; pneumonia with cough; presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and pneumonia with digital cough and clubbing are pathognomonic for CF and indication for the sweat test. The predictive performance in CF diagnosis, defined as compatible clinical presence plus high values of chloride in sweat test, was 91.1%.

The Vitamin D for Enhancing the Immune System in Cystic Fibrosis (DISC) trial: Rationale and design of a multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of high dose bolus administration of vitamin D3 during acute pulmonary exacerbation of cystic fibrosis

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in children and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). Recent studies have found an association between vitamin D status and risk of pulmonary exacerbations in children and adults with CF. The ongoing Vitamin D for enhancing the Immune System in Cystic fibrosis (DISC) study is a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that will test the hypothesis of whether high dose vitamin D given as a single oral bolus of 250,000 IU to adults with CF during a pulmonary exacerbation followed by a maintenance dose of vitamin D will improve time to next pulmonary exacerbation and re-hospitalization, improve survival and lung function compared to placebo and reduce the rates of pulmonary exacerbation,. Subjects will be randomized 1:1 at each clinical site to vitamin D or placebo within 72 hours of hospital admission for pulmonary exacerbation. Clinical follow-up visits will occur at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after randomization. Blood and sputum will be collected and determination of clinical outcomes will be assessed at each visit. The primary endpoint will be the time to next pulmonary exacerbation requiring antibiotics, re-hospitalization or death. The secondary endpoints will include lung function assessed by forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), blood markers of inflammatory cytokines, anti-microbial peptide expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and circulating concentrations in blood. Other exploratory endpoints will examine the phenotype of neutrophils and monocyte/macrophages in sputum. Nutritional status will be assessed by 3 day food records and food frequency questionnaire.

Treatment of vitamin D deficiency in cystic fibrosis

Vitamin D deficiency occurs frequently in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Vitamin D is important for optimal mineralization of bone and may be important for other comorbidities commonly occurring in patients with CF. Vitamin D deficiency in patients with CF can arise from various causes including pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, lack of outdoor activity, and alterations of vitamin D metabolism. Due to fat malabsorption stemming from pancreatic insufficiency, higher oral doses of vitamin D are necessary to correct and maintain optimal vitamin D status in patients with CF. Recent studies have demonstrated that higher vitamin D status is associated with better lung function and that vitamin D therapy may help recovery from pulmonary exacerbations of CF. The mechanisms by which vitamin D may exert its beneficial actions in CF are unclear but likely related to the role vitamin D has in modulating the adaptive and innate immune response. Large randomized clinical studies to evaluate the potential role of vitamin D as adjunctive therapy in CF that goes beyond bone are necessary.

Thyroid Function in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: No Longer a Concern?

BACKGROUND

Development of goiter and hypothyroidism has been reported in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) since the 1970s, especially when treated with iodine-based expectorants. With iodine-containing expectorants no longer in routine use, the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in CF patients is unknown. This cross-sectional study assessed thyroid function status in a large cohort of CF patients.

METHODS

Sera from ambulatory subjects were obtained from an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved biorepository of patients seen at the Emory CF Center between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2014. Sera from hospitalized subjects were obtained from banked specimens from an IRB-approved inpatient clinical trial. Demographics, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and medication use were assessed from medical records. Thyroid function tests were measured from the stored sera. Multivariate regression models assessed associations between covariates and thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid dysfunction risk.

RESULTS

A total of 89 subjects (54% male, 91% white, Mage = 24.4 years, median FEV1 63%) were included in the analyses. One subject was on thyroid hormone replacement, 93% were on pancreatic enzyme replacement, and 68% received antibiotics within six months. None had computed tomography scans with intravenous contrast within six months. One patient had positive thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies. Of the 87 subjects with measured TSH values, seven (8%) had abnormal levels (range 0.2-7.6 μIU/mL; one overt, four subclinical hypothyroidism, and two subclinical hyperthyroidism). Of the 56 subjects with measured fT4 values, 19 (34%) had slightly low levels (range 0.49-0.79 ng/dL; 17 isolated mild hypothyroxinemia). A positive correlation between age and body mass index (BMI; p < 0.001) and a negative correlation between age and FEV1 (p = 0.041) were seen. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, BMI, FEV1, hospitalization status, use of pancreatic enzyme or thyroid hormone replacement, recent antibiotic use, and TPO antibody positivity were not predictive of TSH, fT4, or thyroid dysfunction risk. Stratified analyses by hospitalization did not predict TSH or fT4.

CONCLUSIONS

Although 24 (27%) of the patients had abnormal serum thyroid function tests, overt thyroid dysfunction was rare in this cohort of 89 patients with CF. The degree of hypothyroxinemia was marginal, likely due to nonthyroidal illness. There were no significant predictors of thyroid dysfunction.

Update on Bone Health in Pediatric Chronic Disease

Children and adolescents with chronic disease are predisposed to impaired bone health. Pediatric illness, including type 1 diabetes mellitus, celiac disease, and cystic fibrosis, have significant risk of low bone mineralization and fracture due to underlying inflammation, malabsorption, lack of physical activity, and delayed puberty. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is the primary imaging method to assess bone health in this population. The purpose of this review is to update readers about the assessment and management of bone health in children with common pediatric chronic illnesses and review recent advances in the prevention and treatment of impaired bone health.

Changes in Mineral Micronutrient Status During and After Pulmonary Exacerbation in Adults With Cystic Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) may be at risk for micronutrient depletion, particularly during periods of illness and infection. The purpose of this study was to investigate serum micronutrient status over time in adults with CF initially hospitalized with a pulmonary exacerbation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was an ancillary study of a multicenter trial investigating the role of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in 24 adults with CF (mean age, 29.6 ± 7.3 years). We measured serum concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) in subjects at the beginning of a pulmonary exacerbation and again at 3 months.

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Ca were significantly lower at baseline compared with 3 months following the pulmonary exacerbation (Cu: baseline, 1.5 ± 0.6 vs 3 months, 1.6 ± 0.6 µg/mL, P = .027; Fe: 0.8 ± 0.3 vs 1.3 ± 1.1 µg/mL, P = .026; Ca: 9.7 ± 0.8 vs 10.8 ± 2.0 mg/dL, P = .024). Serum concentrations of K, Mg, and S did not change over time (K: baseline, 4.9 ± 0.3 vs 3 months, 5.1 ± 0.5 mEq/L; Mg: 1.8 ± 0.2 vs 2.0 ± 0.3 mg/dL; S: 1288.6 ± 343 vs 1309.9 ± 290 µg/mL; P > .05 for all).

CONCLUSION

Serum concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Ca increased significantly several months following recovery from acute pulmonary exacerbation in adults with CF. This may reflect decreased inflammation, improved food intake, and/or increased absorption following recovery.