Background: The relationship between nutritional status and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is complex. CF leads to malnutrition due to malabsorption and respiratory complications, which complicates growth. This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status and prevalence of GHD in Iranian children diagnosed with CF.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Children's Medical Center in Tehran, Iran, involving children under 19 years with CF diagnoses based on two positive sweat tests showing chloride levels above 60 mmol/L. A total of 127  patients were included in the study during a one-year period. Data collection encompassed demographic and anthropometric measurements, clinical evaluations, and growth hormone stimulation tests to assess nutritional status, respiratory function, and bone mineral density.
Results: The study included 125 patients with CF and a mean age of 8.3 years. The findings revealed that 30.4% were below the 5th height percentile, while 45.6% were below the 10th percentile. Males had a mean body mass index (BMI) Z-score of -0.88, whereas females had a Z-score of -1.06; 76.4% of males and 81.1% of females were below the 50th percentile for BMI (P > 0.05). Short stature was more prevalent in older age groups, particularly among those aged 10-19, where it affected 40.5% of individuals (P = 0.03). Significant correlations were found between height percentiles and lung function (P = 0.014), as well as between height percentiles and bone mineral density (BMD) (P < 0.05). Among those below the 5th height percentile, 32.3% had low growth hormone levels indicative of GHD, particularly in males (P = 0.31).
Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of short stature and low BMI among patients with cystic fibrosis, particularly in older children. Significant correlations between growth, lung function, and bone mineral density underscore the need for monitoring and early interventions to improve health outcomes.