Diabetes is associated with increased burden of gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with cystic fibrosis
L R Caley, C Zagoya, F Duckstein, H White, D Shimmin, A M Jones, J Barrett, J L Whitehouse, R A Floto, J G Mainz, D G Peckham, L R Caley, C Zagoya, F Duckstein, H White, D Shimmin, A M Jones, J Barrett, J L Whitehouse, R A Floto, J G Mainz, D G Peckham
Abstract
Background: Individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) are known to frequently experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. In contrast, the impact of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) on accentuating GI symptoms in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) is unknown. We sought to examine this.
Methods: Abdominal symptoms were measured using the validated CF-specific GI symptom questionnaire - CFAbd-Score© - as part of a multicentre cohort study in pancreatic insufficient adults with CF, not on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators. The CFAbd-Score total score (0-100pts), its 5 domains, alongside nine specific GI symptoms associated with DM, were compared between the CFRD and non-CFRD groups.
Results: 27 (31%) and 61 (69%) participants with CF were recruited in the CFRD and non-CFRD groups respectively. Total CFAbd-Score and the two domains: gastroesophageal reflux disease and disorders of appetite were significantly higher in the CFRD group compared to the non-CFRD group (p<0.05), with the mean total CFAbd-Score being 25.4 ± 2.5 and 18.4 ± 1.5 in the CFRD and non-CFRD groups respectively. Among the nine GI symptoms commonly reported as elevated in DM, bloating and nausea were significantly more common in individuals with CFRD compared to those without (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Individuals with CFRD overall, have a higher GI symptom burden, according to CFAbd-Scores. Specifically, they experience significantly more bloating and nausea. Close monitoring and further research is needed to better understand and manage GI symptoms in this group.
Keywords: CFAbd-Score©; Cystic fibrosis; Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes; Gastrointestinal symptoms.
Conflict of interest statement
Conflict of interest JGM reports independent grants and speaker/board honoraria from Vertex, Chiesi and Viatris outside the submitted work. DP speaker/board honoraria from Vertex. HW: Received previous funding from Gilead, which was not directly related to this research project and from Health Education England for simulated placement delivery funding. LRC, DS, AMJ, JB, JLW, RAF, CZ and FD declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Source: PubMed