Relative underweight in cystic fibrosis and its prognostic value.

On the basis of observations in 117 children with cystic fibrosis, seen 
from January 1956 to June 1976, it is demonstrated that the 
relative underweight (weight loss corrected for height) is most pronounced in 
children with predominantly pulmonary sypmtoms. The degree of underweight closely correlates 
inversely with survival. Because of its prognostic value, it is recommended 
that this clinical parameter be included in the checkups which are 
periodically carried out on children suffering from cystic fibrosis. 