AbstractAdvancements in respiratory and nutrition management have significantly improved the survival of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). With the availability of several nutrition interventions such as oral/enteral nutrition supplements, enteric‐coated pancreatic enzymes, and water‐miscible CF‐specific vitamin supplements, frank vitamin deficiencies—with the exception of vitamin D—are rarely encountered in current clinical practice. Whereas they were previously considered as micronutrients, our current understanding of fat‐soluble vitamins and minerals as antioxidants, immunomodulators, and disease biomarkers has been evolving. The impact of highly effective modulators on the micronutrient status of patients with CF remains elusive. This narrative review focuses on the updates on the management of fat‐soluble vitamins and other micronutrients in CF in the current era and identifies the gaps in our knowledge.
Background: Collaboration between registered dietitians and gastroenterologists has not been evaluated in cystic fibrosis (CF). We surveyed registered dietitians and gastroenterologists regarding the current participation of gastroenterologists in CF centers and identified possible areas to enhance partnership between the two disciplines. Methods: An anonymous online survey was distributed targeting registered dietitians and gastroenterologists involved in CF care through three international listservs (CF Nutrition, CF DIGEST, and PEDGI) over a 6-week period. SurveyMonkey was used, and informed consent was obtained. Results: A total of 131 respondents participated in this survey, including 80 registered dietitians and 51 gastroenterologists (41 pediatric and 10 adult gastroenterologists). Most respondents (82%) were from the United States, and two-thirds had >= 5 years of experience in CF. A significant number of registered dietitians reported the nonavailability of gastroenterologists for collaboration and there was greater availability of gastroenterologists in pediatric centers. Barriers to interdisciplinary collaboration included lack of CF expertise and dedicated time among the gastroenterologists and difficulties in coordinating the gastroenterology clinics. More gastroenterologists than registered dietitians perceived that they worked collaboratively with the other discipline in various domains (clinical care, quality improvement, research, presentations, and publications). Both disciplines had mutual respect and interest to further the collaboration. Conclusion: There is an increased need for gastroenterologist participation and collaboration (particularly in adult centers) in CF alongside registered dietitians to enhance comprehensive patient care. Future efforts should focus on training more gastroenterologists in CF and facilitating easier access to gastroenterologists for the CF population.
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Challenging mealtime behaviors in young children and difficulties in meeting their dietary intake recommendations are sources of parenting stress and associated with negative quality of life. The gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) can often present similarly to a GI pathology unrelated to CF. Specifically, this case series focuses on three toddlers with CF who presented with oral aversion and challenging mealtime behaviors and later were diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Though EoE often presents with dysphagia, younger patients commonly present with nonspecific GI symptoms such as regurgitation, emesis, abdominal pain, failure to thrive, food intolerance, and oral aversion. Given the overlap of GI manifestations in CF and EoE, it can be challenging for clinicians to diagnose the coexistent EoE in patients with CF. We describe the presenting symptoms, treatment, and successful outcomes of three pediatric patients with CF and EoE. To our knowledge, this is the second case series with a detailed description of EoE in CF.
In the last sentence of the section “Vitamin D” (p. 1079), there is an inadvertent error in a statement summarizing the results of a meta-analysis. The sentence incorrectly written as: However, a recent meta-analysis evaluated eight randomized controlled trials and showed that the intervention group (receiving vitamin D supplementation) had no difference in bone disease, pulmonary status, and immunological outcomes when compared with the placebo group. The corrected version of the sentence is as follows: However, a recent meta-analysis evaluated eight randomized controlled trials and showed that the intervention group (receiving increased additional vitamin D supplementation) had no difference in bone disease, pulmonary status, and immunological outcomes when compared with the placebo group (receiving basal vitamin D supplementation). All other parts of the text remain unchanged. The published article can be found here: doi:10.1002/ncp.10899.
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.