Whole blood fatty acid analysis with micromethod in cystic fibrosis and pulmonary disease.

Objectives: To assess fatty acid (FA) profiles in whole blood of 90 cystic fibrosis patients (CF) and 30 control subjects (C) and to correlate FA changes to the severity of respiratory disease.

Methods: Whole blood FA were assessed by GC with a micromethod-based analysis.

Results: Saturated and monounsaturated FA are higher, whereas polyunsaturated FA are lower in CF versus C with reduction of total n-6 FA, 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 (DHA).