Understanding the relevance of pain, depression and anxiety-like manifestations in the management of cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent autosomal recessive genetic disease in Caucasians. Although epidemiological studies continue to provide data and information that could lead to a better understanding of the clinical manifestations of the disease, there are still many controversies regarding the importance of some risk factors, such as pain, depression or anxiety in the pathogenesis of this disorder and its management. In the present study, we focused on the relevance of these 3 factors in the management of CF and to their related mechanisms in this disorder. Our original data showed that pain, depression and anxiety, determined by using a specific quality of life (KINDL) questionnaire, are important in understanding this disorder, the effectiveness of treatment and could also represent important factors for improving treatment. The screening and treatment of these specific manifestations in CF patients is recommended and holds promise for improving the outcome of patients with CF.

Infectious and nutritional mechanisms in children with cystic fibrosis

“…In addition, nutritional aspects have previously been reported to be associated with abdominal pain (Littlewood et al, 2005). This could be important, considering that our group also previously reported the relevance of pain perception in CF management (Moraru et al, 2015).…”

“…After decades of empirical histological studies and biophysical measurements, it is now generally accepted that CF is a multifactorial disorder characterized also by chronic pulmonary infection, as well as by gastrointestinal, nutritional and other abnormalities (Lyczak et al, 2002). As we also mentioned in our previous papers (Moraru et al, 2015), life expectancy and quality of life of CF patients have significantly improved in the last few years. One of the explanations for this is improved nutrition and…”

Bullying and mental health amongst Australian children and young people with cystic fibrosis.

“…Similar to other research (Cohen et al, 2011; D’Auria et al, 1997; Kianifar et al, 2013), our findings demonstrated that bullying victimization was associated not only with increased loneliness, feelings of disconnection from school, and less peer support, but also increased depression and anxiety. This is especially important as depression and anxiety are important in the pathogenesis of CF disease (Moraru et al, 2015), and may impact adversely upon lung function (Fidika, Herle, & Goldbeck, 2014), an important clinical marker for disease progression in CF. Further, being bullied about aspects of CF may increase anxiety levels and affect school relationships, further impacting on the young person’s mental health.…”