High attainment of optimal nutritional and growth status observed among Greek pediatric cystic fibrosis patients: results from the GreeCF study.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients suffer high rates of undernutrition, subject to several parameters. We aimed to assess growth and nutritional status of Greek children and adolescents with CF.

METHODS: Eighty-four patients (35 boys) formed the sample. Anthropometrics and FEV1 were measured, growth and weight status were assessed. Body mass index (BMI), arm circumference (MUAC), fat (MUAFA) and muscle (MUAMA) were calculated.

RESULTS: In the total sample, 6.0% of the patients were underweight, 4.8% stunted, 8.3% wasted and 17.9% in nutritional failure, whereas 59.5% attained the ideal BMI for CF. FEV1 positively associated with BMI (B=0.03, p≤0.003), weight (B=0.03, p≤0.003) and MUAMA z-scores (B=0.04, p≤0.005). Meconium ileus negatively associated with FEV1 (B=-14.17, p≤0.003) and stature (B=-0.65, p≤0.043). Pancreatic insufficiency negatively influenced MUAC and MUAFA z-scores (p≤0.05 for both).

CONCLUSIONS: The examined CF patients appear to be thriving. Unlike published research, the participants' sex, gene mutation and acquisition of pathogens did not affect growth.