Malnutrition in children with cystic fibrosis and its correction with a specialized formula

Objective. To determine the safety, tolerability, and clinical efficacy of the specialized dietary product “Clinutren Junior” in children with cystic fibrosis at the age of 1 to 10 years. Patients and methods. This study included 20 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) aged 1 to 10 years who underwent treatment and rehabilitation at the Pulmonology Department of the National Medical Research Center for Children’s Health. According to the Shwachman index (SI), a severe course of CF (SI = 34.24 ± 1.97) was observed in 4 (20%) patients, a moderate course of CF (SI = 49.53 ± 1.76) in 12 (60%) patients, and a mild course of CF (SI = 61.5 ± 2.05) in 4 (20%) patients. All patients had malnutrition of varying severity. During dynamic observation, the children’s general health condition, nutritional status, including anthropometric and biochemical parameters, biological and nutritional value of the diet were evaluated. Results. Beneficial organoleptic properties of the formula and its good tolerability were noted. The analysis of the actual nutrition showed that the study product increased the protein quota and energy value of the age-differentiated standard sparing diet by 23-24%. Against the background of using the specialized formula, there was a tendency to improve the physical development of children, as evidenced by the complete elimination of mild malnutrition in 3 (3.8%) patients and a decrease in the number of patients with severe malnutrition. Conclusion. Inclusion of the specialized dietary product “Clinutren Junior” in the therapeutic diet for CF patients enhances and maintains their nutritional status at a satisfactory level, which in general provides a positive prognosis of the disease and improves the quality of life of patients and their families. Key words: cystic fibrosis, children, malnutrition, specialized food products