[Mortality rate for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Argentina from 1980-1998]

The objective was to determine annual mortality rate for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from 1980 to 1998, in Argentina. Data base on death certificates from the National Ministry of Health were evaluated. They were individualized for COPD: ICD-9: 490 to 496 and ICD-10: J-40 to J47; for asthma: ICD-9: 493 and ICD-10: J44, J45-J46. Global mortality rate was calculated from each code and for 24 provinces. For asthma, the adjusted mortality rate for 5-34 year-old patients was calculated. Population data were provided by National Institute of Statistics and Census. Global mortality rate for asthma increased from 3.37 in 1980 to 3.96/100,000 in 1985 and decreased from 3.16 in 1991 to 1.74 in 1997 (-30.8%, p < 0.0001) and increased to 2.18 in 1998. Asthma's 5-34 year old mortality rate increased from 0.72 in 1980 to 1.12/100,000 in 1986, and decreased to 0.35 in 1998 (-70%, p < 0.0001). Global mortality rate for COPD increased from 12.76/100,000 in 1980 to 27.16/100,000 in 1998 (+113%, p < 0.0001). There were marked inter-provinces differences for asthma and COPD.

as in developed countries, Argentine mortality rate for asthma has decreased, probably related to dissemination of international and national guides. On the other hand, COPD has increased significantly.