Cystic Fibrosis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cystic Fibrosis, including details on symptoms, genetics, treatment, information.

Combining unprotected pancreatic enzymes with pH-sensitive enteric-coated microspheres does not improve nutrient digestion in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Kalnins D, Corey M, Ellis L, Durie PR, Pencharz PB

Division of Respiratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of combining unprotected powder enzymes and oral enteric-coated microsphere (ECM) and to ECM alone in treating nutrient maldigestion in patients with cystic fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN: Patients were randomly assigned into 2 consecutive, 2-week phases; ECM alone, and ECM plus unprotected powder enzymes. Fecal fat, energy, and nitrogen output were compared with intake at the end of each phase. Two-tailed, paired t tests were performed to compare outcomes. RESULTS: The mean age of the 14 patients (3 girls) was 5.7 +/- 3.2 years (range, 1.9 to 13.4 years). There was no significant difference in percent malabsorption of fat (15.6% vs 18.2%), energy (13.3% vs 13.4%), or nitrogen (11.8% vs 11.3%) between phases. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of powder enzymes to ECM did not improve nutrient maldigestion compared with ECM alone.

Published 6 April 2005 in J Pediatr, 146(4): 489-93.
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