[Digestive symptoms in cystic fibrosis]

The prognosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) is strongly linked to the pulmonary status, nevertheless digestive disorders should be taken into account in order to prevent malnutrition which may increase pulmonary surinfections and speed up the deterioration of the respiratory function. Digestion, gut motility and absorption are the three major functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Functional disorders may involve the whole gut; in addition to pancreatic insufficiency we describe the failure of chloride secretion with dehydration of bowel content. Insufficient knowledge of the pathophysiology stresses the need for further studies to allow development of more rational and effective therapy.