Osteoporosis: a new challenge in cystic fibrosis

The increased life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) may lea d to medical complications such as osteoporosis. Based on data collected th rough a MEDLINE search (1985-May 1999) and review of references for additio nal relevant articles, nutrition status, weight, and disease severity are f actors most highly correlated with osteopenia. Links also were noted with c alcium and vitamin D intake, hypogonadism, chronic inflammation, and age, b ut findings in these areas are not consistent from one report to the next. Increased fracture rates and kyphosis are consequences of osteoporosis. Sim ple measures such as compliance with recommended nutrition guidelines and r estrictions in corticosteroid therapy could be considered first-line manage ment options. Further studies must be conducted to clarify factors involved in the etiology of osteoporosis inpatients with CF and to identify the bes t treatment and prevention methods.