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Feeding-induced changes in energy expenditure in children with cystic fibrosis

C A Horswill1, L Kien, W B Zipf

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, USA.

Insights

Measuring carbon dioxide production using isotopic dilution accurately reflects changes in energy expenditure in children with cystic fibrosis. Feeding significantly increases both carbon dioxide production and energy expenditure in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Metabolic Research
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects energy metabolism and nutritional status in children.
  • Accurate assessment of energy expenditure is crucial for managing CF patients.
  • Previous methods for measuring energy expenditure may have limitations in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of carbon dioxide production (CO2) measurement via isotopic dilution for assessing energy expenditure in children with CF.
  • To investigate the impact of feeding on CO2 production and energy expenditure in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Seven children (aged 7-12 years) with cystic fibrosis were studied.
  • A primed, constant intravenous infusion of sodium bicarbonate (NaH13CO3) was used to estimate the rate of CO2 appearance (RaCO2).
  • Net CO2 excretion (VCO2) and energy expenditure (calculated via food quotient) were measured in both fasted and fed states.

Main Results:

  • RaCO2 was higher than VCO2 in both fasted (117%) and fed (105%) states.
  • Feeding increased RaCO2 by 23% and VCO2 by 37%.
  • Energy expenditure increased by 19% in the fasted state and 33% in the fed state (p < .05) following feeding.

Conclusions:

  • CO2 production measurement by isotopic dilution is a valuable tool for tracking group changes in energy expenditure in children with CF.
  • Feeding significantly elevates CO2 production and energy expenditure in children with cystic fibrosis.
  • This method offers a reliable index for metabolic assessments in pediatric CF research.

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