Related Experiment Videos
Predigested formula for infants with cystic fibrosis
P M Farrell1, E H Mischler, S A Sondel
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Insights
Early introduction of Pregestimil formula significantly improves growth in infants with cystic fibrosis. This predigested formula helps normalize weight by one year, outperforming standard formulas for better growth velocity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) often leads to malnutrition and impaired growth in infants.
- Early nutritional intervention is crucial for managing CF and improving long-term outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of predigested formula (Pregestimil) on growth rates in infants with cystic fibrosis.
- To test the hypothesis that Pregestimil can normalize infant weight by 12 months of age when introduced before 6 months.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 19 newly diagnosed cystic fibrosis infants.
- One group received Pregestimil, while the control group received standard infant formula.
- Growth parameters (length, weight, weight percentile, growth velocity) were monitored up to 12 months of age.
Main Results:
- The Pregestimil group demonstrated significantly greater length and weight at 12 months.
- Average weight percentile was twofold higher in the Pregestimil group.
- Growth velocity was significantly better (556 vs. 423 gm/month) for infants on Pregestimil (p < .001).
- All infants on Pregestimil achieved normal weight percentiles (>5th), compared to only 10 out of 19 in the standard formula group (p = .0006).
Conclusions:
- Early introduction of Pregestimil formula is effective in normalizing growth in infants with cystic fibrosis.
- Predigested formula significantly enhances growth velocity and weight attainment in this population.
- Pregestimil represents a valuable nutritional strategy for improving growth outcomes in infants diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Abstract:
The object of this study was to assess the growth rates of patients with cystic fibrosis fed various diets and test the hypothesis that the weight of infants could be normalized by 1 year of age if they were placed on predigested formula before age 6 months. A group of 19 newly diagnosed patients placed on Pregestimil were compared with a group who were fed standard formula. At 1 year of age, the Pregestimil group showed significantly greater length and weight and a twofold higher average weight percentile. Growth velocity determined for the period between diagnosis and 12 months of age was better (p less than .001) for babies raised on Pregestimil (556 compared with 423 gm/month). Using weight percentile as the major growth index and values less than the fifth percentile as abnormal at age 12 months, we found that all 19 babies were normal in the group fed Pregestimil, whereas nine were below the fifth percentile in the group fed regular formula (p = .0006).