Body composition in pre-pubertal children with cystic fibrosis v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
To investigate growth, body composition and lung function in pre-pubertal children with cystic fibrosis diagnosed by newborn screening, and era comparison with a historical cohort
IRAS ID
185495
Contact name
Robert Grant
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
Body composition (fat and muscle) may have an effect on health and response to treatment in chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Evidence has established that children with cystic fibrosis (CF) may have altered body composition and that muscle mass is related to lung function. Previous research on body composition in children with CF in the UK has been carried out on unscreened patients. Newborn screening was introduced nationwide in 2007 for CF and gives the opportunity for growth to be optimised as nutritional treatment can start early. Patients diagnosed by newborn screening have been shown to have better growth than those who were unscreened. This study will investigate whether young children with CF who have been diagnosed by newborn screening have normal growth and body composition at 5 to 8 years of age, and the relationship with lung function. This is a single centre study. Patients born July 2007 to July 2012 receiving care at Great Ormond Street Hospital will be eligible for inclusion. Body composition will be measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. This is a quick procedure which measures the amount of fat and muscle in the body. DXA uses a very low level of radiation. Weight and height measurements will also be taken. No other additional procedures will be needed. All other information will be taken from medical notes. This research will provide important evidence as to the benefits of routine assessment of body composition in children with CF and at what age, to help detect changes early.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/2117
Date of REC Opinion
14 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion