[Long-term use of medium chain triglycerides in cystic fibrosis (author's transl)].

Conventional treatment of 15 children (aged 4 to 17 years) with cystic fibrosis and persistent failure to thrive was supplemented on an out-patient basis by a daily oral intake of 35 g of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) fat. Follow-up investigations were pursued for a longer period than described in the literature, namely up to 6 months after initiation of the MCT diet. While frequency of the bowel movements was reduced and abdominal discomfort disappeared no weight gain was observed. Clinically, steatorrhoea was clearly diminished. Pre-treatment serum cholesterol levels were lower (121 mg/dl, n=25) than in healthy subjects (182.2 mg/dl, n=56). No significant changes in either serum cholesterol or serum triglycerides were detected over the 6-month period. There were no clinical signs of an essential fatty acid deficiency in 4 patients followed up for 2 years so far. MCT fat should be included in the standard dietary regimen used in the management of any child with cystic fibrosis and failure to thrive. Its use is fully justified by the clinical improvement and alleviation of the steatorrhoea.