Percentage of CF patients in EU countries

Question

Hello,

I am curious about whether the percentage of CF patients in EU countries (examples: Germany, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Belgium) is roughly the same everywhere in relation to the total population.

Fictional example:

Country X has a total population of 100.000, of which 10 people have CF (i.e., 0.01% of the population).

Country Y has a total population of 10.000. Can I assume that the percentage of CF patients is 0.01% here too (i.e., 1 person), or does the it vary significantly?

Many thanks for your effort.

Answer

Hello,

The prevalence that is the number of cases differs in dependence on the respective population group. Thus in Africa and Asia it is much lower than in Europe or North America; in some regions immigration may also have an impact, for example in certain regions in the South of France. Many immigrants from Africa settled there which reduces the prevalence of the disease in percent. In general, however, on the average the figures are about the same in Europe. But these data are based on estimates and partly on extrapolations of data from registries. However, since there is always a number of cases going unreported data from registries are in turn merely a basis on which to estimate the actual figures. Lately a figure of 0.8 cases of CF per 10.000 inhabitants was assumed throughout the EU.

I hope I was able to answer your question. Please do not hesitate to contact me again should you want further information.

With Kind regards,
Birgit Dembski

24.03.2009