Optimizing Cystic Fibrosis Care: Role of Weight Gain in Lung Health: A Multifaceted Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Weight gain appears to play a crucial role in enhancing lung health in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Currently, CF care centers predominantly focus on facilitating weight gain, often resorting to a high-calorie and high-fat diet. This approach is rooted in the observed impact of weight gain, specifically on the augmentation of FEV1% and FVC%, ultimately leading to an improvement in the pulmonary condition of the patients. This study investigated the intricate interplay among age, BMI, blood factors, cytokines, FEV1%, and FVC%. Methods In this study, 60 children and adults (aged 3–42 years) with CF were examined. Patients were stratified based on body mass index (BMI) into two groups: adequate weight (BMI = 18.5–24.9) and underweight (BMI < 18.5). Factors such as FVC%, FEV1%, age, ileus, pancreatic problems, diabetes status, blood factors, and some cytokines were tested in the two groups, and the relationships between factors with significant correlations, such as BMI, FVC%, FEV1%, age, blood factors, and cytokines, were tested. Results The findings of the study revealed that overweight and obese patients with adequate weight exhibited a greater average age. This group had better lung health and lower platelet counts than did the underweight group. Furthermore, investigations of parameters in all patients revealed that as age increased, there was an observable increase in BMI, FEV1%, and FVC% with a decrease in platelet count, IFN-γ, and IL-4. Interestingly, there was no significant correlation between BMI and cytokine levels. A positive correlation was observed between platelet count and TGF-β concentration, indicating that the platelet count increases with increasing TGF-β concentration. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between FVC and IFN-γ and between FVC and IL-4, indicating that an increase in FVC corresponded to elevated levels of these cytokines. Conclusions Patient age and facilitation of weight gain appear to exert considerable influence on critical disease-related factors, including lung status, platelet count, and cytokine levels. Our results emphasize the importance of a nutrient-rich diet in addition to standard treatments for patients with CF. Increased BMI may have a positive impact on inflammatory factors and lung health, contributing to symptom reduction and overall disease improvement.