ABSTRACT
Patients with Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) suffer from poor weight gain or weight loss, diarrhea, steatorrhea, bloating, and flatulence. Patients with Cystic fibrosis (CF) are chronically depleted of vitamin D despite the inclusion of extra vitamin D in their regimen of fat-soluble vitamin supplementation. CF-related diabetes is associated with a rapid decline in pulmonary function, higher morbidity, and greater mortality from CF. Patients with EPI can ultimately develop impaired glucose tolerance and spontaneous hyperglycemia. Patients with EPI suffer from poor weight gain or weight loss, diarrhea, steatorrhea, bloating, and flatulence. Children with CF and poor nutritional status are more prone to lung infections than those with good nutritional status, and children with normal pancreatic function have a better pulmonary prognosis than those with EPI. Patients with CF suffer primarily from progressive lung disease that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Children with EPI need a 20–50% increase over the recommended daily allowance.
