Improving oral energy intake in older children with cystic fibrosis

The effect of intensive dietary counselling in 28 older children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis was monitored over a one-year period, assessing dietary intake and nutritional status. There was a significant improvement in energy intake ( P <0.01) and fat intake ( P <0.01) in the group as a whole, including control patients. The most significant improvement was in the group who received intensive counselling and standard pancreatic enzyme supplements ( P <0.02). Correlation with change in nutritional status was poor.
We conclude that energy intake can be improved in this difficult group of patients but that more individualization of intake to achieve normal growth is required.