Early nutritional management of cystic fibrosis infants born with meconium ileus.

Meconium ileus (MI) is a well-recognised neonatal presentation of cystic fibrosis (CF) and is associated with a high nutritional risk. While nutritional management principles are outlined in international guidelines, there is limited literature describing the practical experiences of nutritional management. The aim of this communication was to describe nutritional factors observed during the first year of life in a series of MI-CF infants. Data on nine surgically managed infants were reviewed from a UK CF centre. Timelines of (i) nutritional and surgical management and (ii) growth and intake outcomes are described. Findings highlight the heterogeneity of nutritional aspects in this group and the high prevalence of acute and chronic growth failure, further supporting the requirement for close nutritional monitoring. CFTR modulator therapies have revolutionised CF management and are increasingly available at younger ages. However, as treatment is initiated well after the neonatal period and acute MI, optimising nutritional management of MI-CF infants remains a priority.