Effectiveness of nutritional intervention package versus conventional nutritional counseling in pediatric cystic...

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disorder that poses significant nutritional challenges. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of a structured Nutritional Intervention Package (NIP) and Conventional Nutritional Counseling (CNC) in improving the nutritional status of children with CF over a 6-month period.

Seventy children aged 6 months to 18 years with confirmed CF were randomly allocated to the NIP (n = 35) or CNC (n = 35) groups. The primary outcome was weight gain. Secondary outcomes included changes in height, head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), total skinfold thickness (TSF), and body mass index (BMI). Anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline, three, and six months. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used for data analysis.

Both groups showed significant improvements in anthropometric measurements over time, particularly in terms of weight (F = 51.289, P < 0.001, η² = 0.43) and height (F = 136.600, P < 0.001, η² = 0.668). A trend towards greater improvements in head circumference and BMI was observed in the NIP group, although the difference was not statistically significant.

These findings highlight the importance of structured nutritional interventions in CF management, regardless of the approach used. Future research should focus on long-term studies, personalized nutritional approaches, and strategies to improve adherence to nutritional regimens in children with CF.