Nutrition of the patient with cystic fibrosis in the context of multidisciplinary care

Abstract

The careful monitoring of nutritional status is crucial for pa­tients with cystic fibrosis (CF). As part of routine CF care, the measure­ment of weight and height (and calculation of weight/length or of Body Mass Index – as appropriate) should be carried out and analyzed at every medical visit. The early recognition of nutritional risk factors is im­pe­ra­tive, as well as the evaluation of the patient’s condition by a mul­ti­dis­ci­pli­nary team in order to identify the caloric intake, the risk of malabsorption and other risk factors for growth deficit. Along with the usual tools of nutritional intervention to improve the nutritional status of patients with CF, oral sup­ple­men­ta­tion, interventions to correct eating disorders, ap­petite suppressant supplements/medication and enteral nu­tri­tion are also included.