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Gender differences in the Scandinavian cystic fibrosis population
Author(s) -
Olesen Hanne Vebert,
Pressler Tacjana,
Hjelte Lena,
Mared Lena,
Lindblad Anders,
Knudsen Per Kristian,
Lærum Birger N.,
Johannesson Marie
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.21265
Subject(s) - medicine , cystic fibrosis , body mass index , pseudomonas aeruginosa , population , incidence (geometry) , antibiotics , cohort , diabetes mellitus , pediatrics , endocrinology , genetics , physics , microbiology and biotechnology , environmental health , bacteria , optics , biology
Aims To explore whether gender differences in the Scandinavian Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients exist in the areas of key clinical parameters, complications, and medication. Methods Cross‐sectional data on 890 (416 female) pancreatic insufficient CF patients were evaluated regarding chronic infection, body mass index, lung function, medication, and diabetes, as well as data of Pseudomonas infection status, antibiotic treatment and hospitalization from 1‐year follow‐up. Results We found no differences in lung function, body mass index, or frequency of diabetes. The adult group consisted of more males than females (208:168). We found no significant difference in prevalence of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, but during the follow‐up the incidence of new chronic infection was higher in adult females (10/33 vs. 4/56). Females had higher prevalence of Burkholderia infection (21/416 vs. 11/474). Adult females had more days on intravenous antibiotics (median 39 vs. 26 days/year), and days in hospital (median 2 vs. 0 days/year). More adult females received inhaled and oral steroids. In the pediatric cohort, females were treated more often with macrolides as an anti‐inflammatory agent. Conclusion We found no gender difference in key clinical parameters in our CF population. However, our study showed a higher risk of Pseudomonas and Burkholderia infection among the female patients. Additionally, we found that female patients require more intensified treatment regarding antibiotics, macrolides, steroids and days of hospitalization, indicating a true female disadvantage even with modern aggressive treatment. The finding of more males than females in the adult population suggesting a male advantage, warrants a mortality study. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:959–965. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.