Nutritional status of an adult cystic fibrosis population.

Nutritional management and dietary recommendations in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have changed considerably over the past 10-15 y. The nutritional status of adult CF patients was assessed in a clinical survey before these changes in nutritional management. The aim of the study was to assess the current nutritional status of the CF population and compare the results with those of the previous study. Forty-three (24 male, 19 female) subjects participated in this study. Subjects' height, weight, mid-upper-arm circumference, and skinfolds at four sites were measured. Nutritional intake was measured by using a 7-d food intake diary including documentation of supplements taken. Compared with the 1983 study, the incidence of malnutrition, as indicated by a body mass index of less than 20, has decreased from 62% to 9%. Furthermore, there have been significant improvements in the weight, height, and body mass index of both males (P < 0.001) and females (P < 0.04). Individuals with CF are no longer subject to growth arrest, as their mean height is now comparable to the Australian average. Mid-upper-arm circumference (P < 0.0001), triceps skinfold (P < 0.0001), and percentage of body fat (P < 0.05) of males and females have also significantly increased. The fat intake (P < 0.02) of females and males and energy intake (P < 0.03) of females have increased significantly, and the mean energy intake of subjects has exceeded the recommended 120% of the recommended daily intake. A significant number of patients in the present study receive dietary oral and/or enteral supplements. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that nutritional management was principally responsible for improvements in nutritional status. The findings suggest that there has been a significant improvement in the nutritional status of the adult CF population, which may be due primarily to changes in nutritional management.