Review
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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 14, 2013; 19(46): 8552-8561
Published online Dec 14, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i46.8552
Pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis and drugs used in associated digestive tract diseases
Adriana Haack, Giselle Gonçalves Aragão, Maria Rita Carvalho Garbi Novaes
Adriana Haack, Giselle Gonçalves Aragão, Maria Rita Carvalho Garbi Novaes, Department of Health, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), Brasília 70381701, Brazil
Author contributions: Haack A worked on the design and planning, in the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data, in writing and critical review; Aragon GG contributed to the manuscript writing and interpreting data; Novaes MRCG worked on the design and planning, data interpretation, the writing and the final revision.
Correspondence to: Adriana Haack, Professor of Nutrition, Department of Health, Universidade Paulista (UNIP), SHIGS 715 Block A House 87, Brasília Federal District, Brasília 70381701, Brazil. adrianahaack@hotmail.com
Telephone: +55-61-34432636 Fax: +55-61-32445302
Received: August 28, 2013
Revised: September 28, 2013
Accepted: October 13, 2013
Published online: December 14, 2013
Processing time: 114 Days and 0.4 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Cystic fibrosis (CF) has been studied in Brazil and in many other countries. Digestive manifestations may significantly compromise the nutritional status of CF patients, leading to numerous symptoms. Supplementation with enzymes, vitamins and nutrients is usually necessary. When infections are present, antibiotics are necessary, and these infections are often multisystemic, involving the digestive tract. The pharmaceutical assistance included in public policies, especially those which are financed, and the constant incentive to study the digestive manifestations in CF patients are essential, as without them, there would be infinite clinical changes which would compromise patient survival.