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Current approaches to the nutritional management of cystic fibrosis in Australia
H Anthony1, A Catto-Smith, P Phelan
1Department of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine current Australian practice for the nutritional management of cystic fibrosis (CF) and compare it to USA and UK guidelines.
Methodology:
A structured questionnaire was completed by dietitians from 15 major CF centres. It was estimated that these centres manage or co-manage 84% of Australians with CF.
Results:
There was close agreement between UK and USA guidelines and Australian practice for dietary intervention strategies, nutritional monitoring and surveillance, and electrolyte replacement. Infant feeding practices were more closely aligned with the UK. There were some differences in the areas of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, vitamin requirements in CF and dietary management of CF-related diabetes.
Conclusions:
Despite the lack of formal agreement, nutritional management practices of most Australian centres are closely aligned with current published international recommendations. However, there is need for consensus in the area of enzyme replacement therapy, management of CF-related diabetes and vitamin supplementation based on optimal clinical outcomes.