ESPE Abstracts

Background: Growth failure has long been cited as the main endocrine complication of cystic fibrosis. But with the therapeutic advances, this retardation is less observed; however, access to these therapies is not the same in all countries.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of respiratory physiotherapy on growth in patients with cystic fibrosis outside in childrens from the age of 8 years "the beginning of children's autonomy".

Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of children aged 8 to 12 years old with cystic fibrosis from western Algeria, followed at Pediatric Hospital CANASTEL in Oran. The diagnosis was confirmed by 2 sweat tests >60 mmol/L (No newborn screening and no CFTR modulators in the country). Anthropometric parameters were recorded on WHO growth charts, and statistical datas were performed by IBM SPSS statistics 22.

Results: 38 patients out of 125 were included; 20 males/ 18 females. The average age at diagnosis was 03 years and half (08 months for all patients) and 107 data were analyzed. The mean weight SDS -1,81 [1,29], the mean Height SDS -1,4 [1,20] and the mean BMI SDS -1,71 [1,30]. Age had a significantly negative correlation with weight in SDS (P 0.001/ r -0.321), height in SDS (P 0.006/ r -0.263), and BMI (P 0.001/ r -0.425). The number of respiratory physiotherapy sessions had a significantly positive correlation with weight (P < 0.001/ r 0.512), height (P < 0.001/ r 0.534), and BMI (P 0.002/ r 0.307) as well as with the number of pulmonary exacerbations per year (P < 0.001/ r -0.425). The number of pulmonary exacerbations per year had a negative correlation with weight (P 0.001/ r -0.492), height (P 0.001/ r -0.424), and BMI (P 0.001/ r -0.428). Delayed diagnosis and the number of pulmonary infections per year have a negative effect on growth. An increase in the number of daily chest physiotherapy sessions has a positive effect.

Conclusion: An increase in daily respiratory physiotherapy sessions in preadolescence reduces inflammation (pulmonary infections) and has a positive impact on growth parameters.