Lipids in cystic fibrosis.

There are certain aspects of the symptomatology of cystic fibrosis that bear 
a resemblance to those of essential fatty acid deficiency. We fed 
a group of patients essential fatty acids orally since intravenous administration 
is not a practical method for long term treatment. Results of 
the study were varied. Although some response was noted in all 
patients, there were no consistent clinical changes seen in every patient. 
The oral EFA therapy effected no change in sputum cultures. After 
one year of EFA, the sweat sodium concentration was lower in 
all but one patient. The clinical aspect of our study is 
small, but promising. The results suggest a role for EFAs in 
the care of CF. Whether EFA is a factor in the 
etiology of CF or merely a manifestation of malabsorption requires further 
investigation. 