Risk Factors of Malnutrition in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A 14-year Retrospective Study from Saudi Arabia

Background: Malnutrition is a common concern in children with cystic fibrosis, impacting their growth and lung function. Despite its significance, research on malnutrition risk factors in children with cystic fibrosis is limited in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the nutritional status and its associated factors in children with cystic fibrosis. Methods: This retrospective study included all pediatric patients (aged <18 years) with cystic fibrosis who were followed in the pediatric pulmonology clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, between January 2010 and July 2023. Results: A total of 48 children with cystic fibrosis were included (mean age: 9.7 ± 5.6 years; females: 70.8%). The mean body mass index-for-age/weight-for-length z-score value was −1.61 ± 1.87. Most children were malnourished (60.4%). Compared to those who were not malnourished, malnourished children had significantly delayed diagnosis (P = 0.004), higher hospital admission rates (P = 0.015), uncontrolled fat malabsorption (P = 0.034), and poor appetite (P < 0.001). Independent factors associated with the risk of malnutrition were age (P = 0.014) and fair/poor appetite and intake (P = 0.008 and 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: In this cohort from Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of malnutrition among children with cystic fibrosis was high. In addition, factors associated with malnutrition in this population were age, poor appetite and intake, delayed diagnosis, and uncontrolled fat malabsorption.