[Cystic fibrosis mortality in Chile between 1997 and 2003].
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal autosomic recessive disease among Caucasians. In Chile, its incidence is estimated in 1/4,000 newborns and it is possibly underestimated.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze CF mortality in Chile during the period 1997-2003.


METHODS
Demographic and CF mortality data reported by the National Institute of Statistics during the period 1997-2003 were recorded, according to sex and age. Overall mortality rate for each year was estimated, as well as the average mortality rate during the same period in patients younger than 1 year, 1-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years and older than 15 years.


RESULTS
One hundred and three deaths (56 females) due to CF occurred during 1997-2003. Sixty-eight deaths corresponded to patients younger than 15 years (66.0%). Overall mortality rate ranged from 0.82 to 1.33 per 10(6) inhabitants in 1997 and 1999, respectively. Average mortality rate ranged from 0.46 to 9.81 per 10(6) inhabitants among patients older than 15 years and younger than 1 year, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Most CF deaths occurred in the pediatric age group.
Cerda L
Jaime
J
Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. jcerda@med.puc.cl
Valdivia C
Gonzalo
G
Guiraldes C
Ernesto
E
Sánchez D
Ignacio
I
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000401:mortality*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male