Low-income status is an important risk factor in north east Mexican patients with cystic fibrosis

Background. Factors such as environment, income status, as well as access to proper healthcare influence the survival and quality of life of people affected by chronic diseases including cystic fibrosis (CF). Survival factors in Mexican patients with CF have not been reported before, even when it has been estimated that this disease could not be negligible in the Mexican population. Objective. To compare the influence of the mutant allele ΔF508 and environmental factors on the survival of Mexican CF patients. Material and methods. We collected epidemiological data of 40 patients molecularly tested between 1987 and 2008 in the CUnica de Fibrosis Qufstica from the Hospital Universitario of the Universidad Aut6noma de Nuevo Leon in Northeastern Mexico. Kaplan-Meier plots and survival statistics were estimated and compared. Results. Survival analysis revealed statistical significance for low-in- come status (p = 3.13 x 10⁶), cor pulmonale (p = 0.00169), severe pulmonary disease (p = 0.00136), and BMI ≤15 kg/m² (p = 0.00678). Statistical significance was not observed for the predominant allele ΔF508 considering two (p = 0.992), one (p = 0.503) or no (p = 0.403) mutant allele. Conclusions. Low income status was the most detrimental factor; followed by cor pulmonale, severe pulmonary disease and BMI £ 15 kg/m² for the survival in North East Mexican patients with CF. Carrying the ΔF508 allele did not influence survival.