Impact of nutritional status on pulmonary function after lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis

BackgroundNutritional status is an important prognostic factor in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) prior to lung transplantation.ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of nutritional status on pulmonary function in CF transplant recipients.MethodsAdult double lung transplanted CF patients were consecutively included. The predictive value of nutritional status on lung function – measured by spirometry – was longitudinally assessed by body composition serially evaluated by a three-compartment model bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in comparison to body mass index (BMI).ResultsOverall, 147 spirometries and 147 BIAs were performed in 58 patients (59% female, median age: 30.1 years, median BMI: 19.6 kg/m2). Malnourished patients (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2; 27.6%) had a significantly reduced lung function compared to normal/overweight patients (forced expiratory volume in 1 second in percent (FEV1%pred), 57% vs 77%; p = 0.024). BMI, as well as the BIA parameters phase angle, total body water, fat free mass, body cel...