New data shows increase in cystic fibrosis lung transplants
Hannah Blake
pharmaphorum
The number of people with cystic fibrosis receiving a transplant has doubled in two years, according to a new study published in the annual UK Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Registry Report. However, this number is still significantly short of the number of people seeking a transplant.
The report shows that in 2011, there were 51 transplants carried out compared to 29 in 2010 and 25 in 2009. Other data showed that seven out of ten people with cystic fibrosis aged 16 or over were in either in work or study.
“It is encouraging that more people with cystic fibrosis who require a transplant are receiving one. But demand for transplantation is increasing too and it is still the case that about half of all people on the transplant list die before receiving new organs. This increase in transplants comes at a time of increased public awareness of organ donation and cutting edge work funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust led by research scientists at Newcastle University that is increasing the supply of lungs suitable for transplantation. The DEVELOP-UK work is reconditioning donated lungs which would not otherwise be of sufficient quality for transplant.
"This is why we are redoubling our efforts to increase the supply of available organs available by working with others to promote public awareness of organ donation. We will be investing more into research in this area over the coming months and making it a key part of our campaigning work.”
Ed Owen, chief executive at the CF Trust.
The CF Registry Report is an analysis of anonymised clinical outcome data from 99.5% of those with cystic fibrosis and provided by CF centres and shared care clinics. It is a vital tool in helping clinics and clinicians to raise standards of care in centres, and assists NHS commissioners in planning services and funding. The registry is also a significant resource for researchers and industry in increasing understanding of cystic fibrosis and tracking the safety and effectiveness of new medicines.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the UK’s most common life-threatening inherited rare diseases.
Reference links:
