The following is a summary of “Evaluation of the Use of Appetite Stimulants in Pediatric Patients with Cystic Fibrosis,” published in the October 2023 issue of Pediatrics by Kennedy, et al.
For a retrospective study, researchers sought to investigate the association between appetite stimulant therapy and weight changes in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) in an ambulatory care setting.
The study analyzed 62 pediatric pwCF who received cyproheptadine or mirtazapine for appetite stimulation for at least 6 consecutive months. Weight z scores were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months of therapy, if available.
Statistically significant weight z score increase was observed after 3 months of therapy, as indicated by both univariable and multivariable models across the entire cohort. The adjusted mean difference for the change in weight z score was 0.33 (P < 0.001) from baseline to month 3. Pulmonary function showed a statistically significant improvement after 3 and 6 months of therapy.
The study concluded that appetite stimulant therapy was associated with improved weight z score within the first 3 months of treatment. Additionally, appetite stimulant therapy correlated with enhanced pulmonary function during the initial 3 months, supporting the connection between weight gain and improved pulmonary function in pediatric pwCF. These findings suggest that appetite stimulants contribute to weight gain in this population, particularly within the initial 3 months of therapy.
Source: journals.lww.com/jpgn/abstract/2023/10000/evaluation_of_the_use_of_appetite_stimulants_in.23.aspx
