PROTEIN-ENERGY MALNUTRITION IN CYSTIC-FIBROSIS PATIENTS

Protein-energy malnutrition with associated specific nutrient deficien cies is an important feature of cystic fibrosis and has been recognize d as a poor prognostic factor. Therefore, the nutritional status of cy stic fibrosis patients has to be evaluated regularly by diet diaries, clinical evaluation, anthropometry and more sophisticated methods, suc h as bioelectrical impedance analysis. Nutritional management, includi ng nutritional rehabilitation programmes, of cystic fibrosis patients is well established today. Consequently, protein-energy malnutrition i s no longer acceptable in cystic fibrosis patients, except perhaps in end-stage disease when lung transplantation is not considered.