Nutritional intervention in patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A systematic review

Background: To systematically assess the literature published after 1997 describing the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in Cystic Fibrosis patients. Methods: An online search in PUBMED, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases was conducted. Original studies with 4 patients or more, describing a nutritional intervention and giving at least weight as an outcome parameter were included. Results: The inclusion criteria were met by 17 articles, focusing on respectively behavioural interventions (n=6), oral supplementation (n=4) or enteral tube feeding (n=7). This latter intervention was universally successful to induce weight gain. One behavioural study and 2 oral supplementation studies also reported significant weight gain. Conclusion: Enteral tube feeding is effective to improve nutritional status, while the described effects of behavioural intervention and oral supplementation are not consistent at present. (C) 2012 European Cystic Fibrosis Society. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.