A new study analyzed the changes in cholesterol levels in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who initiated ivacaftor therapy. The study observed a significant increase in total cholesterol (TC) levels from baseline to 3 months, which returned closer to baseline by 18 months. It also found that BMI correlated with increased TC levels, suggesting a metabolic effect of modulator therapy on lipid changes in CF patients. The study highlighted the variable lipid screening practices among CF providers and emphasized the growing need for CF specialists to collaborate with primary care providers and cardiologists to manage cardiovascular risk as patients live longer and encounter new health challenges.

Source: Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease