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Growth in children with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes

M S Cheung1, N A Bridges, S A Prasad

  • 1Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, UK.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|November 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) in children significantly impairs height velocity for years before and after diagnosis. Reduced growth may indicate underlying glucose metabolism issues in CF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Pulmonology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is linked to poorer health outcomes in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
  • Limited data exist on CFRD's impact on childhood growth.
  • Understanding growth patterns is crucial for managing CFRD in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of CFRD on growth and lung function in children.
  • To compare growth velocity and lung function in children with and without CFRD.
  • To identify potential early indicators of impaired glucose metabolism in pediatric CF patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case-controlled study involving 34 children with CFRD from London specialist centers.
  • Analysis of height velocity and FEV(1) (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) in the 2 years preceding and following CFRD diagnosis.
  • Comparison with age-matched control groups without CFRD.

Main Results:

  • Children with CFRD exhibited significantly reduced mean height velocity in the 2 years before CFRD diagnosis (4.9 cm/year vs. 6.0 cm/year).
  • Height velocity remained significantly lower in the 2 years post-diagnosis (3.4 cm/year vs. 4.4 cm/year).
  • Mean FEV(1) was reduced at diagnosis but normalized with controls 2 years later.

Conclusions:

  • Compromised height velocity and lung function occur before CFRD diagnosis in children with CF.
  • Reduced height velocity should be considered an indicator of impaired glucose metabolism in pediatric CF.
  • Further research is needed to determine if early insulin therapy can promote catch-up growth in these children.

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