UNSUSPECTED NONADHERENCE WITH RECOMMENDED PANCREATIC-ENZYME ADMINISTRATION IN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC-FIBROSIS

We examined whether patients with cystic fibrosis, a chronic illness, take pancreatic enzymes in the manner recommended by physicians. Admin istration by other means could lead to costly, risky, potentially unne cessary medical interventions. Families of patients with cystic fibros is were surveyed during routine clinic visits over a 6-month period. N ine of 47 patients (19%) were found to be taking enzymes in a manner n ot recommended or suspected by physicians, exclusively after meals. Th ere was a trend for these patients to be more likely to be taking unus ually high doses of these expensive enzymes. Only 25% had specifically discussed enzyme administration with caregivers within the previous 6 months. Health care providers may be disturbingly unfamiliar with the ir patients' practices, which could have significant consequences. The refore, medical personnel need to regularly review all aspects of thei r patients' care in detail.