Sex Disparities May Persist in CF Despite Modulators - Summary - MDSpire
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Sex Disparities May Persist in CF Despite Modulators

Review findings suggested female patients with cystic fibrosis may continue to experience worse pulmonary outcomes despite highly effective modulator therapy

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • May 22, 2026

  • 6 min

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Objective:

To evaluate sex disparities in cystic fibrosis (CF) outcomes before and after the introduction of highly effective modulator therapy.

Key Findings:
  • Female patients with CF experience worse pulmonary morbidity and earlier mortality compared to male patients.
  • Female sex remains an independent risk factor for death even after adjusting for comorbidities and chronic airway infection.
  • Female patients have more frequent pulmonary exacerbations, longer treatment courses, and are less likely to recover baseline lung function post-exacerbation.
  • Common airway pathogens are acquired earlier by female patients, leading to accelerated lung function decline.
  • Estrogen may negatively impact CF lung disease through various airway-level effects.
Interpretation:

Limitations:
  • Many findings are based on mechanistic, in vitro, animal, or observational studies, which may not fully reflect clinical physiology.
  • Existing studies on the effects of oral contraceptives and hormonal states on CF outcomes show inconsistent results.
Conclusion:

Original Source(s)

Sex Disparities May Persist in CF Despite Modulators

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • May 22, 2026

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