Background
People with cystic fibrosis are managed differently in the US and UK providing an opportunity to learn from differences in practice patterns.
Objectives
To compare cross-sectional demographics, practice patterns and clinical outcomes between US and UK cystic fibrosis patients.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study using 2010 data from patients in the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the UK Cystic Fibrosis patient registries. The a priori outcome measures of interest were lung function and nutritional status. Descriptive statistics and two sample comparisons were performed. Stratification and multivariable linear regression was used to adjust for confounding.
Results
The study cohort included 13,777 children and 11,058 adults from the US and 3,968 children and 3,965 adults from the UK. In children, mean body mass index percentiles were similar. Lung function (FEV1 and FVC% predicted) was significantly higher in US patients ages 6 through 25 years of age. In a regression model adjusted for only age, FEV1% predicted was on average 3.31% of predicted (95% CI: 2.65, 3.96) higher in the US compared to the UK. When adjusted for age, age at diagnosis, gender, pancreatic insufficiency and genotype, FEV1% predicted was on average 3.03% of predicted (95% CI: 2.37, 3.69) higher in the US compared to the UK These differences persisted despite adjustment for possible confounders. Hypertonic saline and dornase alfa were much more commonly prescribed in US children.
Conclusions
Children and young adults with cystic fibrosis have better lung function in the US compared to the UK despite similar nutritional status.
The results demonstrate an increase in the production of potential osteoclast precursors in the peripheral blood during CF infective exacerbations. This may result in increased bone resorption and contribute to bone loss in patients with CF.
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