Background: People with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) have chronic lung disease and may be at increased risk of COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine seroprevalence and clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with CF, and to assess antibody responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Methods: Children and adolescents with CF followed at Seattle Children’s Hospital were enrolled between July 20, 2020 and February 28, 2021. SARS-CoV-2 serostatus was determined on enrollment, at 6 and 11 months (+/-2 months) for nucleocapsid and spike IgG. Participants completed intake and weekly surveys inquiring about SARS-CoV-2 exposures, viral/respiratory illnesses, and symptoms. Results: Of 125 PwCF enrolled, 14 (11%) had positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies consistent with recent or past infection. Seropositive participants were more likely to identify as Hispanic (29% vs 8%, p=0.04) and have pulmonary exacerbations requiring oral antibiotics in the year prior (71% vs 41%, p = 0.04). Five seropositive individuals (35.7%) were asymptomatic, while six (42.9%) reported mild symptoms, primarily cough and nasal congestion. Anti-spike protein IgG levels were approximately 10-fold higher in participants following vaccination compared with participants who had natural infection alone (p < 0.0001) and resembled levels previously reported in the general population. Conclusions: A majority of PwCF have mild or no symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 making it difficult to distinguish from baseline respiratory symptoms. Hispanic PwCF may be disproportionately impacted, consistent with racial and ethnic COVID-19 disparities among the general US population. Vaccination in PwCF generated antibody responses similar to those previously reported in the general population.

Clinician perspectives may inform health service strategies to meet optimal nutrition needs for infants with cystic fibrosis (CF). We conducted a qualitative study with CF-specialized dietitians (RDs) and physicians between July to December 2020 to characterize the current state of infant nutrition care delivery and organize input into a conceptual model to inform CF care program strategies. Among 42 participants, 36 completed survey responses and 6 completed interviews; 93% were RDs. Three global themes emerged in the current care model: nutrition management, family-centered connections, and collaborative care delivery. Within nutrition management clinicians emphasized providing education, setting goals, and maintaining adequate follow-up with families. Under family-centered connections clinicians expressed the need to foster relationships with families and link families to resources for assistance to social stressors such as food insecurity. Collaborative care delivery for clinicians interviewed was defined by sharing expertise from across the interdisciplinary team. Based on the timing of this study, clinicians reported compelling examples for various modes of telehealth and home weight monitoring to facilitate and support these domains of nutrition care, including potential advantages for education, supporting family needs, and communication. We integrate these themes to propose a conceptual model for integration of in-person and telehealth activities to enhance quality infant CF nutrition care delivery. Future implementation can refine this model through testing of practical telehealth interventions to optimize nutrition outcomes for infants with CF.