CURRENT APPROACHES TO THE NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF CYSTIC-FIBROSIS IN AUSTRALIA

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine current Australian p ractice for the nutritional management of cystic fibrosis (CF) and com pare it to USA and UK guidelines. Methodology: A structured questionna ire was completed by dietitians from 15 major CF centres. It was estim ated that these centres manage or co-manage 84% of Australians with CF , Results: There was close agreement between UK and USA guidelines and Australian practice for dietary intervention strategies, nutritional monitoring and surveillance, and electrolyte replacement. Infant feedi ng practices were more closely aligned with the UK. There were some di fferences in the areas of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, vitam in requirements in CF and dietary management of CF-related diabetes. C onclusions: Despite the lack of formal agreement, nutritional manageme nt practices of most Australian centres are closely aligned with curre nt published international recommendations. However, there is need for consensus in the area of enzyme replacement therapy, management of CF -related diabetes and vitamin supplementation based on optimal clinica l outcomes.