Study of short term variations in growth velocity of asthmatic and cystic fibrosis patients: the effect of endogenous and exogenous factors.

Aim. The aim of the proposed research project is the study of short term variations in growth velocity (STVGV) inasthmatic and cystic fibrosis patients with special emphasis on: The study of the nature, frequency, duration and intensity of STVGV in these patients. Study of the differential effect of various drugs and kinds of treatment (oral or aerosol) on STVGV. , Study of the relation between STVGV and qualitative and quantitative aspects of controlled programs of drainage, physiotherapy and physical condition prograrns.Study of the relation between STVGV and various spirometric parameters (vital capacity, forced expiratory flow in 1min, maxim, mid expiratory flow at 25%, 50% and 75%, and resistance airways. Study of the effect of chronic and acute disease on STVGV .Study of the relation between STVGV and age, stature, maturation and growth velocity (on whole-year basis) of the patients.Study of the relation between STVGV en environmental factors such as seasonal variation, nutritional factors, and stressObjectives. This study will (1) contribute to a better knowledge of the mechanisms controlling the human growth process at short term level, (2) allow to evaluate the relative impact of exogenous and endogenous factors in controlling STVGV in asthmatic and cystic fibrosis patients. The proposed methods should allow to demonstrate the efficacy and immediate effect of medical treatment, not only on the pulmonary function of the studied patients, but also on the general health status of the patient. It can be hoped that this research can contribute to an optimisation of the treatment of asthmatic and cysticfibrosis patients, in a way analogous to the results obtained for growth hormone deficient patients [1].