Unexpected Height Loss in an Adolescent With Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

This case report describes an adolescent with pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis, malnutrition, and cystic fibrosis–related diabetes found to have a loss in height at a routine outpatient clinic visit. He was subsequently admitted to the hospital for treatment of a pulmonary exacerbation and was found to have multiple, nontraumatic vertebral compression fractures. This report emphasizes the importance of routine review of growth charts and aggressive treatment of vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition in people with cystic fibrosis.