Abstract
Introduction: There is evidence for increased risk of eating disorders
in individuals with diet-treated chronic illnesses, however, data in
patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is less clear. No studies have
evaluated avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in the CF
population. We investigated the prevalence of disordered eating,
including ARFID, in adolescents and young adults with CF. Methods:
Patients with CF aged 14-35 years were recruited to complete three
validated surveys: (1)Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q),
(2)Nine-Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Scale (NIAS), and
(3)Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R). Univariate linear
regression analysis identified baseline risk factors associated with
these survey scores. Variables with univariate p<0.20 were
considered for inclusion in a multivariable linear regression model.
Backwards stepwise linear regression was used to identify the final
model. Results: A total of 52 patients enrolled. The prevalence of
eating disorder measured on the EDE-Q was 9.6%, and on the NIAS was
13.5%. The CFQ-R eating and weight subscales were associated with
scores on the EDE-Q, and CFQ-R eating subscale and being dF508
homozygous were correlated with the NIAS total score. Discussion: A
clinically significant number of participants screened positive for
disordered eating on the EDE-Q and NIAS. Scores on the eating and weight
scales of the CFQ-R were associated with the scores on these surveys.
Further work is needed to better understand the optimal way to use such
tools to screen and treat for eating disorders in individuals with CF.