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[Vitamin E deficiency in cystic fibrosis]
C Muñoz1, I Polanco, A Hernanz
1Unidad de Gastroenterología y Nutrición, Hospital Infantil La Paz, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid.
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Children with cystic fibrosis often have low vitamin E levels, even without symptoms. This study found no clear link between vitamin E levels and clinical factors in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Context:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, notably the lungs and digestive system.
- Vitamin E deficiency is a known complication in CF due to malabsorption.
- Early diagnosis and supplementation are crucial for managing CF complications.
Purpose:
- To investigate plasma vitamin E levels in children with cystic fibrosis.
- To correlate vitamin E levels with clinical and biological parameters in CF patients.
- To understand the prevalence and characteristics of vitamin E deficiency in this population.
Summary:
- Plasma vitamin E levels were assessed in 42 children with cystic fibrosis using high-performance liquid chromatography.
- Patients received oral alfa-tocopherol supplementation; 35.7% exhibited decreased plasma vitamin E levels without overt clinical signs.
- No significant correlation was found between plasma vitamin E concentrations and factors like sex, age, clinical scores, or fecal fat excretion.
Impact:
- Highlights the prevalence of subclinical vitamin E deficiency in CF patients despite supplementation.
- Suggests that standard clinical and biological markers may not fully capture vitamin E status in CF.
- Underscores the need for further research into the pathogenesis and optimal management of vitamin E deficiency in cystic fibrosis.