Association of body composition and lung function in children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Survival in cystic fibrosis has improved significantly in the last 30 years, with major therapeutic goals of delaying the progressive loss of pulmonary function and maintaining normal growth. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) to assess both bone mineral density and body composition. We hypothesised that there would be an association between body composition and pulmonary function in children with CF. Fifty subjects with CF (28 males), mean age 12.7 years, participated in the study. Body composition was determined by DEXA. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from the ratio of weight/height2 (kg/m2). Lung function was assessed by spirometry. Most patients (78%) had mild lung disease. The mean forced expired volume in 1 sec percent predicted (FEV1% predicted) for the 50 patients was 79.2% (range, 24-117%). There was a strong association between FEV1% predicted and BMI (R=0.59, P=0.0001). Fat-free mass had positive association with pulmonary function tests (R=0.30, P=0.03). Although fat mass showed a positive correlation with pulmonary function, this association did not reach statistical significance. In our group of children with CF and mild lung disease, pulmonary function was more strongly associated with BMI than with fat and fat-free mass.

Improvements in lung function of a pediatric cystic fibrosis population in a developing country

“…A grande maioria de pacientes apresentava insuficiência pancreática, com um impacto quase inevitável no estado nutricional e no crescimento -fatores associados com estado pulmonar e desfecho em FC [21][22][23] . Entre 1986 e 1996, peso médio para idade aumentou significativamente em crianças com FC na África do Sul, aproximando-se dos níveis normais no final dessa década 24 .…”

Evolución nutricional y función pulmonar en niños y adolescentes chilenos con fibrosis quística

“…La correlación directa entre VEF 1 e IMC fue signifi cativa, a pesar del tamaño muestral, siendo comparable a la reportada en niños australianos con enfermedad leve 28 . Aún no está claro el mecanismo de esta interacción que probablemente depende de la preservación de masa magra, con mejor contractibilidad de los músculos respiratorios 24,29 .…”

Indicadores antropométricos e de ingestão alimentar como preditores da função pulmonar em pacientes com fibrose cística

“…(24,25) Analysis of body composition in this group revealed that patients with worse pulmonary function values had a concomitant higher prevalence of muscle mass and fat mass below the 25th percentile. Pedreira et al (26) found a positive association between lean body mass and FEV 1 in CF patients in the 7-17 year age bracket.…”