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Decreased total serum coenzyme-Q10 concentrations: a longitudinal study in children with cystic fibrosis

Theresa A Laguna1, Marci K Sontag, Iris Osberg

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|June 7, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Low coenzyme Q(10) (Co-Q(10)) levels are common in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and pancreatic insufficiency (PI). Further research is needed to determine if Co-Q(10) supplementation benefits these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Coenzyme Q(10) (Co-Q(10)) is a vital antioxidant.
  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs.
  • Assessing Co-Q(10) levels in pediatric CF patients is crucial for understanding their health status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure total serum Co-Q(10) levels in children with CF.
  • To explore the relationship between Co-Q(10) levels and clinical outcomes in pediatric CF patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study involved 381 children with CF.
  • Serum Co-Q(10) levels were analyzed annually using high-performance liquid chromatography.
  • Associations with demographic data and clinical outcomes were investigated.

Main Results:

  • 188 out of 381 initial measurements showed deficient Co-Q(10) levels.
  • Low Co-Q(10) was significantly more common in patients with pancreatic insufficiency (PI) (55%) versus pancreatic sufficiency (PS) (3%).
  • Low Co-Q(10) correlated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization in infants with PI and CF, but not with lung function or hospitalizations.

Conclusions:

  • Persistently low serum Co-Q(10) is prevalent in children with CF and PI.
  • Further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy of Co-Q(10) supplementation in CF patients.
Abstract

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