IS THERE A GENDER DIFFERENCE IN THE UK CF POPULATION?

The literature is conflicting with regards to gender differences in the CF population with some studies reporting poorer prognosis in CF females. Variations in study design (cross-sectional v longitudinal and single v multi-centre), study populations (paediatric v adults) and small sample sizes may in part explain these differences. In an attempt to overcome some of these limitations we analysed the UK CF Trust Registry database, which collates data on the paediatric and adult UK CF population for evidence of gender differences. Methods We used the 2010 annual review data and compared males and females in age-groups 0–5, 6–12, 13–15, 16–19, 20–23, 24–29 and 30+ years for lung function (FEV1 and FVC (% predicted)), infection status, treatments (rhDNase, O2 therapy, Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV), IV antibiotics, supplementary feeding and pancreatic supplements), body mass index and associated complications (CF related diabetes, osteoporosis, liver disease). Results Of the 7937 patients attending annual review in 2010 47% were female. The sex distribution differed by age whereby the proportion of females dropped from 16 years onwards (Figure 1). The mean FEV1 was significantly(p Conclusions There is evidence of a more severe lung function deficit in teenage years. The reduced proportion of females in the adult cohorts is consistent with a survival difference. Further longitudinal analyses will help characterise the identified gender gap and effects on disease progression. We thank the UK CF Trust for the registry data.