Conclusion:
Much has been learned in the past year’s publications related to
gastrointestinal disease and nutrition. The lessons from 2020 for
nutrition include: 1) reminders to accurately assess pancreatic status
via genotype/phenotype correlation; 2) apps can help optimize PERT
dosing; 3) a new nutritional supplement can aid in fat absorption; 4)
nutritional deficiencies are common; and 5) reinforcement that obesity
is not uncommon in CF and is associated with a plateau effect on FEV1pp.
The intestinal microbiome is altered early in CF life, with specific
environmental modifiers such as environmental tobacco smoke exposure and
antibiotics, leading to more pathogenic bacteria, while no microbial
alterations are seen with acid blocking medications. Low length was
shown to be associated with differences in the intestinal microbiome,
allowing for the possibility of the intestinal microbiome treatment to
improve growth. Liver disease severity can be assessed with biomarkers,
with GGT being a key biomarker for severity, and ultrasound, with
findings of a heterogenous liver being 9 times more likely to progress
to nodular disease and liver stiffness can distinguish severity. It is
our hope that this review helps advance clinicians understanding of
research published in nutrition and the gastrointestinal involvement
within CF published throughout the year.