Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 28, 2025

Design and Development of a Model to Study the Effect of Supplemental Oxygen on the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Microbiome
Published on: August 3, 2021
Variations in Nutrition Practices in Cystic Fibrosis: A Survey of the DIGEST Program
Ala K Shaikhkhalil1, Alvin J Freeman2, Meghana Sathe3
1Division of Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Background:
Evidence-based management of gastrointestinal (GI) and nutrition manifestations of cystic fibrosis (CF) is limited, and practice variations have not been studied.
Methods:
Thus, a survey was developed with the purpose of evaluating current nutrition practices of CF-focused gastroenterologists, specifically utilizing awardees and mentors of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) Developing Innovative GastroEnterology Specialty Training (DIGEST) Program. Topics included appetite stimulation, tube feeding (TF), and aspects of nutrition assessment, specifically urine sodium and essential fatty acid (EFA) status.
Results:
The response rate was 61% (22/36). About half (55%; 12/22) of respondents had 5-10 years of experience in GI, and 23% (5/22) had >10 years. In regard to appetite stimulation, the majority used cyproheptadine; however, duration and pattern of prescribing varied. Variation was noted in TF management pertaining to tube placement, formula choice, and prescribing pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy with overnight TF. The majority did not check EFAs or urine sodium. Treatment for deficiencies in EFA or abnormal urine sodium was inconsistent.
Conclusion:
The survey reveals wide variation in management of some aspects of nutrition-related manifestations of CF among experienced providers. This reflects the need for research to provide evidence-based guidelines.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:

