Growth and nutrition in South African children with cystic fibrosis

To study nutritional status and its dietary correlates in a South African cystic fibrosis (CF) population. Cross-sectional survey. Thirty-eight children and adolescents attending the CF clinic at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town. Standard anthropometry and a 3-day weighted food record. Median percentage expected weight for height (WFH) was 93 (interquartile range 84-101). Sixteen per cent of patients were below the 5th percentile for height. The proportion of patients who were malnourished (WFH less than 90) was greater among those over 10 years of age (47% v. 14.3%, chi 2 = 4.33, P = 0.037). Sixty-eight per cent of patients consumed less than the recommended daily intake of energy. There was no correlation between WFH and energy intake. Fat intake represented 29.6% (interquartile range 27.5-33%) of daily energy intake. Young South African children with CF are growing well despite relatively low intakes of energy and fat. Greater attention needs to be given to overcoming malnutrition among older children.