ORAL NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS PROMOTE SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT-GAIN IN CYSTIC-FIBROSIS PATIENTS

Background: Malnutrition and poor growth are major problems for many p atients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and nutritional supplements can enh ance the success of dietary strategies. The purpose of this study was to assess Scandishake (Scandipharm Ltd, U.K.), an energy dense (2.0 kc al/ml) oral supplement. Methods: The study design included a 4-week mo nitoring period, followed by 8 weeks of supplementation with Scandisha ke. The subjects had anthropometry assessed at weeks 0, 4 and 12, and their dietary intake assessed at weeks 0 and 12.Results: Data from 26 patients (16 male, 10 female; age range 9-34 years) showed a significa nt mean weight increase of 1.9 kg (range 1.6-4 kg) and a mean increase of 0.5 cm (range 1.1-2.7 cm) in mid-arm muscle circumference. There w as also an increase in energy intakes, rising from a mean of 11.15 MJ (2665 kcals) to a mean of 13.42 MJ (3208 kcals) (P< 0.01), and the mea n of individual percentages of estimated average requirement (EAR) for energy increased from 120% (73-182%) to 143% (67-221%). Conclusion: T he energy dense formulation of Scandishake makes it a useful adjunct i n the treatment of malnutrition and the promotion of normal growth in patients with CF.