Trends in Mortality Due to Pancreatitis Among Patients Aged 55 and Older in the United States: Insights From the CDC WONDER Database

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2024

Publication Title

American Journal of Gastroenterology

Abstract

Introduction: Pancreatitis remains one of the leading causes of death in the elderly in the United States. This study intents to analyze trends and demographic differences in mortality due to pancreatitis among patients aged 55 and older from 1999 to 2020. Methods: We employed a retrospective analysis to calculate age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 persons using data from the CDC WONDER database. Average Annual Percentage Change (AAPC) and Annual Percentage Change (APC) were used to estimate the trends by calendar year, sex, race/ethnicity and geographic region. Results: Between 1999 and 2020, pancreatitis caused 129,208 deaths among older U.S. adults (551). Most fatalities occurred in medical facilities (68.1%). The overall AAMR for pancreatitis-related deaths decreased from 9.1 in 1999 to 8.2 in 2020, with an AAPC of -0.92 (95% CI: -1.41 to -0.61, P, 0.000001). A moderate decline was seen from 1999 to 2016 (APC: -1.93, P 5 0.003199), followed by a sharper increase from 2016 to 2020 (APC: 3.52, P 5 0.047590). Stratified by sex, older men had higher AAMRs compared to older women (men: 9.5; women: 6.7). Both genders saw decreased AAMRs, with a slightly more pronounced decrease in women (men: AAPC: -0.91, P, 0.000001; women: AAPC: -1.01, P, 0.000001). Racial disparities were evident, with the highest number of deaths among Whites (78.90%). AAMRs were highest among Black or African Americans, followed by American Indians or Alaska Natives, Whites, Hispanics, and Asians. All racial groups saw variable decreases in AAMRs from 1999 to 2020, with the most pronounced decline in Asians (AAPC: -3.36, P, 0.000001). Geographically, AAMRs varied, highest in West Virginia (12) and lowest in New York (5.9). The Southern region had the highest average mortality (8.5). Nonmetropolitan areas had higher AAMRs than metropolitan areas (9.4 vs 7.6). Both areas saw decreases in AAMRs from 1999 to 2020. Conclusion: This study identifies trends and disparities in pancreatitis mortality among older adults in the US. Despite declining overall rates, differences persist across sex, race/ethnicity, and regions. Targeted interventions and equitable healthcare access are crucial to reduce mortality and enhance outcomes. Further research is needed to understand and address these disparities effectively (Figure 1).

Volume

119

Issue

10S

First Page

S60

Comments

American College of Gastroenterology Annual Scientific Meeting, October 25-30, 2024, Philadelphia, PA

Last Page

S61

DOI

10.14309/01.ajg.0001028700.63485.3b

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