Growth and nutritional indexes in early life predict pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis

Objective To determine the relation of growth and nutritional status to pulmonary function in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Study design The relation of weight-for-age (WFA), height-for-age (HFA), percent ideal body weight (%IBW), and signs of lung disease at age 3 years with pulmonary function at age 6 years was assessed in 931 patients with CF. Associations of changes in WFA from age 3 to 6 on pulmonary function were also assessed. Results WFA, HFA, and %IBW were poorly associated with lung disease at age 3 years, but all were strongly associated with pulmonary function at age 6 years. Those with WFA below the 5th percentile at age 3 had lower pulmonary function at age 6 compared with those above the 75th percentile (FEV1: 86 +/- 20 [SD] versus 102 +/- 18 % predicted, respectively). Pulmonary function was highest in those whose WFA remained >10th percentile from age 3 to 6 (FEV1: 100 +/- 19 % predicted) and lowest in those who remained <10th percentile (84 +/- 21 % predicted). Patients with signs and symptoms of lung disease at age 3 years had lower pulmonary function at age 6 years. Conclusions Aggressive intervention early in life aimed at growth and nutrition and/or lung disease may affect pulmonary function.