L-arginine and cystic fibrosis

Kattwinkel et al.1 state that "arginine is contraindicated in the treatment of cystic fibrosis." We do not accept this statement because their investigation was improperly controlled for studying arginine therapy in cystic fibrosis. Arginine enhances the activity of lipase and trypsin, and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pediatrics (Evanston) 1973-03, Vol.51 (3), p.586-588
Main Authors: Cotton, E K, Solomons, C C, Dubois, R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Amylases - metabolism
Arginine - therapeutic use
Child
Cystic Fibrosis - drug therapy
Humans
Lipase - metabolism
Pancreas - enzymology
Trypsin - metabolism
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Summary:Kattwinkel et al.1 state that "arginine is contraindicated in the treatment of cystic fibrosis." We do not accept this statement because their investigation was improperly controlled for studying arginine therapy in cystic fibrosis. Arginine enhances the activity of lipase and trypsin, and since pancreatic enzymes were completely absent in Kattwinkel's patients, it is not surprising to us that they failed to reduce steatorrhea. All they have proved is that their regimen of arginine without pancreatic enzyme supplements in older patients is ineffective in individuals who have complete pancreatic insufficiency.
ISSN:0031-4005
1098-4275
DOI:10.1542/peds.51.3.586a