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Introduction Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-shortening autosomal recessive condition in Caucasians. Progressive pulmonary disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in CF patients. Both the [...], Background/Objectives: The hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) is chronic lung inflammation. The severity of lung disease is closely correlated with immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. Beyond its contribution to the bone health, the importance of vitamin D has not been fully recognized owing to the lack of human studies providing evidence of its benefit. In the context of the recently described immunomodulatory functions of vitamin D, we aimed to assess the relationship between vitamin D and IgG levels. Subjects/Methods: Eight hundred and ninety-six CF patients were included (0.53-65.9 years) from seven centers in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and total IgG were measured, spirometry was carried out and vitamin D intake data were gathered using a 7-day dietary food record. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed for IgG and forced expiratory volume in 1λs (FEV1) as dependent variables, and serum 25OHD, daily food and supplemented vitamin D sources of intake as independent variables. The model was controlled for age, gender, genotype, CF-related diabetes, season, infection/colonization status, long-term oral corticosteroid treatment, long-term treatment with macrolide antibiotics, pancreatic insufficient phenotype and body mass index z-score. Results: Serum total IgG levels were negatively associated with serum 25OHD (adjusted [R.sup.2] = 0.376;beta = -0.02;P< 0.001), supplemented vitamin D intake per kg bodyweight (adjusted [R.sup.2] = 0.375; beta = - 0.82;P Conclusions: Increasing vitamin D intake may positively modulate inflammation in CF. This study supports the proposed role of vitamin D in the immune system during infection and substantiates prospective studies. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2011) 65,102-109; doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2010.194; published online 22 September 2010 Keywords: cystic fibrosis; food; forced expiratory flow rates; immunity; immunoglobulin G; vitamin D

A change as significant as the arrival of the printing press has befallen health care informatics. The Internet has quickly become a frequently used depot of health information by patients [...], Objectives. The Internet permits unprecedented and mostly unrestricted access to medical knowledge; however, concerns exist regarding viewer privacy, accountability of authorship, accuracy of information, and patient safety. To address these issues, the American Medical Association (AMA) has developed guidelines concerning web site content and visitor rights. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetically inherited lethal disease in North America. Many Internet sites that provide information on CF have been developed, although adherence to validated guidelines for online health information is not required. The purpose of this study was to assess systematically web sites with content pertaining to CF for adherence to the published AMA guidelines. Methods. The search term 'cystic fibrosis' was entered into a commonly used search engine (Google), and the first 100 eligible sites were reviewed. Each site was examined for adherence to the AMA Guidelines for Medical and Health Information Sites on the Internet using a series of adapted questions. There were 15 questions divided into the following main categories: 1) site structure and viewer privacy, 2) author accountability, 3) scientific citation, and 4) patient safety. The number of positives for each question was tabulated. Results. With respect to site structure, fewer than half (45%) of the reviewed sites indicated a date of last revision. Only 11 (11%) carried an explicit privacy policy. A responsible author or group was listed in only 43 (43%) of 100 sites. Presented data regarding CF was supported by references, sources, or expert review in only 38 (38%) of 100 sites. A medical disclaimer noting that information provided does not substitute for evaluation by a health care team was evident in only 37 (37%) sites. Conclusions. The majority of easily accessible CF informational web sites do not adhere to guidelines published by the AMA. Patients and families who use the Internet as a CF information resource should examine the web sites carefully and be familiar with the guidelines established by the AMA. Personal information is not protected, and few sites provide explicit privacy guarantees Finally, CF care teams should inquire about Internet use by patients and families and be prepared to discuss findings from the Internet to heighten patient safety and awareness. ABBREVIATIONS. AMA, American Medical Association; CF, cystic fibrosis; CAM, complementary and alternative medicine.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common, severe autosomal recessive disorder. The incidence of CF varies among different populations. It is most common among Caucasians of northern European ancestry. The incidence [...], Because of the multiple systems involved in cystic fibrosis, the variability and chronicity of the disease, and the increased survival of this population, a specialty team of experts for care has evolved. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to assist patients and their families in adjusting to the disease and to optimize treatment interventions. The dietitian is responsible for assessment of nutritional status, including the determination of energy requirements and eating habits, interpretation of anthropometric data, and evaluation of nutritional adequacy. The nutrition care plan forms an integral part of the overall treatment objectives and is reported to other team members as it is devised, implemented, and monitored. A consensus report issued in April 1990 by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation includes both general nutrition guidelines and detailed recommended treatment standards aimed at providing optimal nutrition care.

TITLE: CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS: A SURVEY OF DIETITIANS AT CYSTIC FIBROSIS CENTERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES AUTHOR(S): T.R. Schwarzer, D.K. Sullivan, PhD, RD, C. Fox, MS, RD, [...]

Objective To describe the development and validation of questionnaires designed to assess nutrition and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy knowledge and cystic fibrosis self-management skills, and the results obtained when the [...]

Children with cystic fibrosis are living longer than ever before. This is partly because of better antibiotics, but also because of increased awareness of the nutritional needs of children with [...]

ABBREVIATIONS. CF, cystic fibrosis; NENSP, New England Newborn Screening Program; CFTR, cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator. The report by Comeau et al (1) represents a landmark article in the 25-year evolution [...]

2008;12:129-136 [March 2008] Contrary to a study questioning the value of lung transplantation for children with cystic fibrosis, the treatment should continue to be offered, according to researchers at Washington [...]

Havermans T, Vreys M, Proesmans M, De Boeck C (2006) Assessment of agreement between parents and children on health-related quality of life in children with cystic fibrosis. Child: Care, Health [...]

Maiya S et al (2004) Cough plate versus cough swab in patients with cystic fibrosis; a pilot study. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 89, 6, 577-579. Accurate identification of lower [...]

Aims: Prompt detection and treatment of lower respiratory tract infection is essential in the management of patients with CF who often have signs or symptoms of respiratory infection without any [...]

Background: Following recent advances in full forced expiratory manoeuvres in infants and pre-school children, longitudinal assessments are now feasible. We have reported significant reductions in FE[V.sub.0.5] (raised volume technique) in [...]

Q Are there any DSN's out there who are involved in the care of people with cystic fibrosis and diabetes? Myself and a colleague have a special interest in this [...]

A team of researchers at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has taken a big step toward achieving gene therapy for cystic fibrosis, the most common hereditary disease [...]