VITAMIN-A AND VITAMIN-E AND PULMONARY-FUNCTION IN CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

We studied vitamin A and E concentrations in 68 patients with cystic f ibrosis. 31 patients (46%) had normal vitamin A and E levels, 18 (26%) had a low level of either vitamin A or vitamin E and 19 (28%) patient s had low levels of both. Patients with low levels of vitamin A and E had poorer lung function and required more intravenous antibiotic ther apy and time in hospital as compared to those with normal vitamin leve ls. Although these findings do not show a causal relationship between low levels of these vitamins and increased pulmonary morbidity, they i ndicate the need for regular monitoring of serum levels of fat soluble vitamins and adjustment of supplement dosage to maintain levels withi n the normal range. (C) 1998 Chapman & Hall Ltd.