Changes in physical development in children with cystic fibrosis as a universal mechanism of body adaptation

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common monogenic disorder with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The disease leads to damage to the respiratory system, pancreas, intestines, gallbladder and liver. In Ukraine, about 300 children are born with CF each year. As of 2024, there are 16 children with CF living in the Ternopil region. Aim - to analyze the parameters of physical development in children with CF to understand the processes of adaptation and maladaptation of the child's body under conditions of chronic hypoxia, which causes dehydration. Materials and methods. The study was conducted by analyzing the records of hospitalized 15 patients who were receiving inpatient treatment at the Ternopil Regional Clinical Children's Hospital and conducting a literature search of scientific publications from sources such as PubMed, ResearchGate, and Science. Results. Impairment of physical development, growth and weight gain is one of the most common problems faced by children with CF. The comparison of body mass-to-height ratio (WFLz) and body mass index (BMIz) indicators was carried out as an as assessments of physical development and possible malnutrition in children with CF. Problems with gaining and maintaining weight indicate that the digestive system is not absorbing the nutrients necessary for the child's growth, disrupting adaptation processes. Conclusions. As a result of the study, no significant impairment of the physical development of children with CF was found, in 10 (66.7%) patients physiological norms were established based on the ratio of body weight to height. As a result of the comparison of BMI indicators, 13 (86.7%) patients were within the physiological deviation range. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.