Why do CF patients require higher caloric intake?

Why do CF patients require higher caloric intake?

• A. To compensate for malabsorption due to pancreatic insufficiency
• B. To increase growth hormone
• C. To prevent infections
• D. To avoid dehydration

Answer: (A)

In cystic fibrosis, the exocrine pancreas often becomes obstructed by thick secretions, so it doesn’t deliver enough digestive enzymes into the small intestine. Without sufficient lipase and other enzymes, fats are poorly digested and absorbed, leading to fat in the stool, nutrient deficiencies, and slower or impaired growth. Because the child isn’t absorbing calories efficiently, they need more total calories to meet energy demands and support growth. Pancreatic enzyme replacement helps digestion, but the fundamental reason for higher caloric intake remains the malabsorption caused by pancreatic insufficiency, compounded by increased energy use from chronic lung disease. The other options don’t address this essential problem: growth hormone is not how caloric needs are driven; nutrition supports immune function but isn’t the direct reason for needing more calories; and dehydration isn’t the main factor requiring higher intake.

In cystic fibrosis, the exocrine pancreas often becomes obstructed by thick secretions, so it doesn’t deliver enough digestive enzymes into the small intestine. Without sufficient lipase and other enzymes, fats are poorly digested and absorbed, leading to fat in the stool, nutrient deficiencies, and slower or impaired growth. Because the child isn’t absorbing calories efficiently, they need more total calories to meet energy demands and support growth. Pancreatic enzyme replacement helps digestion, but the fundamental reason for higher caloric intake remains the malabsorption caused by pancreatic insufficiency, compounded by increased energy use from chronic lung disease. The other options don’t address this essential problem: growth hormone is not how caloric needs are driven; nutrition supports immune function but isn’t the direct reason for needing more calories; and dehydration isn’t the main factor requiring higher intake.