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Dietary regimen with mucoviscidosis

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Dietary regimen with mucoviscidosis

Mucoviscidosis is a prevalent disorder with a genetic basis. In Poland, it affects approximately one in 4,000 newborns, as per data from the Central Statistical Office in 2020. Around 90 sick children were born worldwide. This condition is characterized by a severe course and there is no possibility of complete cure. However, it requires intensive treatment aimed at reducing the progression of the disease, alleviating its symptoms, and prolonging the patient's life. The treatment is multistage and includes m.. a. appropriately planned pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, or surgical interventions. Given the altered metabolic processes, dietary therapy also plays a significant role in the treatment of mucoviscidosis.

Table of Contents

1. Mycobacteriosis is characterized by:

Mucoviscidosis is a genetic disorder characterized by impaired secretory function of the glands, leading to the production of dense, sticky mucus. It most commonly affects the digestive and respiratory systems. The gene responsible for its occurrence is located on chromosome 7 and is inherited in a recessive manner, which means that in order for the offspring to become diseased, both mother and father must be carriers, i.e. have a damaged copy of the gene. The occurrence of the disease is not gender-specific.

2. Cystic Fibrosis - Diagnostic Procedures and Symptoms

Since 2009, newborn screenings for cystic fibrosis have been conducted in Poland, which involves taking a blood sample from each newborn. The analysis of the sample allows for a reliable confirmation or exclusion of the presence of cystic fibrosis. This program also enables the detection of other genetic-based diseases. In case of a positive screening result, a test for chloride concentration in sweat is performed, which confirms the final diagnosis. Many cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed in childhood, however, some cases may not display symptoms until adolescence or adulthood. Common symptoms of this disease include coughing, shortness of breath, frequent respiratory infections, and digestive problems.

3. Genetic Disorder of Mucoviscidosis - Course and Consequences

Mucoviscidosis is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the CFTR protein, resulting in a deficiency of this protein or its altered form. The CFTR protein is responsible for regulating the transport of chlorine and sodium ions between cells, which is crucial for the proper functioning of secretions in the body. In the lungs, an excess of secretions can lead to disruptions in fluid transport and make the lungs more susceptible to infections. In the pancreatic ducts, an excess of secretions can lead to blockage and ultimately digestive disorders. In extreme cases, mucoviscidosis can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and infertility.

4. Cystic fibrosis treatment – a complex and comprehensive process

The treatment of cystic fibrosis is a very complex process, involving medical, psychological, physiotherapeutic and dietary care. It recommends daily physical activity adapted to the patient's ability, such as swimming, running, cycling, or aerobics, to assist in removing the discharge from the lungs, which requires placing the patient in an appropriate position to facilitate expectoration. Additionally, blindness or vibration is used (often using machines or a special camera). However, it is recommended to carry out daily adapted physical activities that match the patient's abilities to improve the airflow through the lungs and facilitate breathing. In the course of the disease, medications are used in the form of inhalations that expand the bronchi and dilute the discharge remaining in them. However, due to the increased susceptibility to bacterial infections in some patients, long-term use of antibiotics is required. This can, however, lead to negative consequences, such as the development of antibiotic resistance, the occurrence of allergic reactions to antibiotics, and the weakening of the human natural microflora.

5. Mycobacteriosis - appropriate diet

Appropriate nutrition is a crucial component of the treatment of mycobacteriosis in infants, who should be breastfed like healthy children (if possible). The diet should be high in energy, protein, and fat, as well as certain nutrients such as chlorine and sodium. Due to the increased risk of malnutrition in patients with mycobacteriosis, it is recommended to increase the caloric intake by 20-50% compared to the requirement of a healthy person of the same weight and height. In special cases, it may be necessary to follow a diet with twice the caloric content. Furthermore, patients with mycobacteriosis should consume large amounts of protein (about 20% of the total energy requirement) and fat (35-40% of the total energy requirement). In patients with pancreatic disorders, pancreatic enzyme preparations should be used to ensure effective digestion of fat. Additionally, the diet should pay attention to the intake of certain vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium. To prevent deficiencies of these nutrients, supplementation of vitamins and minerals and the use of special high-calorie preparations containing a lot of calories in a small amount are recommended.

6. What should the diet of cystic fibrosis patients look like?

Patients should eat regularly; in addition to the 4-5 main meals, smaller snacks should be planned during the day. They should be based primarily on high-calorie products with high energy density, such as fatty cocoa, full-fat creams, vegetable oils, butter, nut creams and nuts, jams, fruit, baked goods, cheese and rice. Soups and sauces should be thickened with cream or added with oil. All thermal processing methods are allowed, including frying. Meals should be salted during preparation or directly on the plate. It is also possible to use salty snacks, such as nuts, crackers, savory cheeses and cookies. The diet should be as varied and attractive as possible for the patient. It is worth considering the use of high-calorie dietary supplements to provide the body with additional energy. They are available in the form of cocktails that can be consumed as independent snacks or added to meals, such as pudding, creams or pancakes.

7. Compendium

Proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in managing cystic fibrosis. Maintaining an adequate nutritional status by following a high-energy, high-protein, and high-fat diet improves disease outcomes and prognosis and lowers the risk of complications.
Source

Burdacka K. et al., Metody fizjoterapii stosowane w leczeniu mukowiscydozy – przegląd literatury, „Physiotherapy Review” 2020, 24(3), epub.
Ciborowska H., Rudnicka A., Dietetyka. Żywienie zdrowego i chorego człowieka, Warszawa 2015, 552–554.
Nowak J. K., Walkowiak J., Mazurek H., Mukowiscydoza, Żywienie i leczenie żywieniowe dzieci i młodzieży, pod red. Szajewskiej H., Horvath A., Kraków 2017, 217–227.
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Rządowy program badań przesiewowych noworodków w Polsce na lata 2019–2022, gov.pl/web/zdrowie/program-badan-przesiewowych-noworodkow-w-polsce-na-lata-2019-2022 (10.10.2022).
Turck D. et al., ESPEN-ESPGHAN-ECFS guidelines on nutrition care for infants, children, and adults with cystic fibrosis, „Clinical nutrition” 2016, 35(3), 557–577.