What condition is commonly associated with malnutrition in CF patients?

Failure to thrive (FTT) is a condition commonly associated with malnutrition in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF leads to abnormalities in the pancreas, which impede the production and release of pancreatic enzymes necessary for the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. As a result, individuals with CF may have difficulty gaining weight and growing appropriately, leading to FTT.

This condition is particularly concerning in pediatric patients, as adequate nutrition is critical for growth and development. Malnutrition due to poor nutrient absorption often manifests as stunted growth or delayed weight gain, which are hallmark signs of failure to thrive.

In contrast, while other conditions such as sleep apnea, skin disorders, and cardiac issues can arise in CF patients, they are not as directly linked to malnutrition as failure to thrive is. Sleep apnea can occur due to other respiratory complications, skin disorders may relate to other factors like medications or infections, and cardiac issues can develop due to long-term complications of CF but are not primarily focused on nutritional status.