(221) COVID-19; Evolution of nutritional status in children with cystic fibrosis at the Federico Gomez Children's Hospital in Mexico.

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV 2), which caused the COVID 19 pandemic, has had a worldwide impact in various fields and on the health of the population. The vulnerability of patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) conditions that limit the clinical follow-up of their condition, increasing morbidity and mortality in confinement.

Methods: OBJECTIVE

To identify through anthropometry the nutritional evolution of CF patients during the COVID 19 pandemic.



MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective observational study. Anthropometric data of patients at the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic of the Children's Hospital of Mexico were recorded from the beginning of the pandemic (December 2019) until December 2021. Medical-nutritional follow-up, enzymatic and pharmacological support was provided for two years; patients attended the CF unit, considering all safety measures to avoid COVID 19 infection.

Results: RESULTS

A total of 55 patients were recruited during the period January 2020 to December 2021. Thirty patients were followed up, 16 were female (53.3%) with a mean age of 67.2 months (73.5 SD). The follow up group, presented a baseline height Z score of -1.63 (1.3 SD) and in December 2021 -1.28 (1.31 SD), 14 patients with height impairment (46.7%). Six children under 2 years of age, in whom the weight score for baseline height was -0.58 (-1.91 SD) 28 percentile and at follow-up -0.55 (0.92 SD) 34.2 percentile. No statistical significance was found for muscle tissue, fat and height; however, in children older than 2 years the baseline BMI by Z score was -1.09 (1.82) 14th percentile, versus follow-up -0.17 (1.73) 43rd percentile, representing a P value of 0.05. Patients attended an average of 6 (+8) visits to the hospital, which allowed nutritional and medical evaluation, ensuring the provision of medications and adherence to treatment.

Conclusions: CONCLUSIONS

Under adverse conditions, close follow-up of patients under 2 years of age is necessary to limit nutritional risk and its persistence. It is important to consider that children older than two years old are able to maintain the growth rate with improvement in BMI, favoring the nutritional condition. We must ensure improvement in growth velocity in all CF patients in adverse periods.

Acknowledgements: Acknowledgment to Suzie Culhane MPH, RD, CSP, LD, Senior Pediatric Dietitian, Texas Children's Hospital for her input as a reviewer of this brief.

References: [1] Burgel PR, Goss C. COVID-19 outcomes in people with cystic fibrosis. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2021 Nov 1;27(6):538-543.

[2]Havermans T, Houben J, Vermeulen F, Boon M, Proesmans M, Lorent N, de Soir E, Vos R, Dupont L. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional well-being and home treatment of Belgian patients with cystic fibrosis, including transplanted patients and paediatric patients. J Cyst Fibros. 2020 Nov;19(6):880-887.