[Causes of avoidable mortality through effective healthcare services: a review of the literature]

Theoretical and empirical articles analyzing the Causes of Avoidable Mortality (CAM) due to healthcare published between 1975 and 2004 were reviewed. The purpose was to review the concepts and age limits for these analyses, as well as the uses and types of indicators and ratings for the CAM. Additionally, CAM listings for infant and perinatal mortality were reviewed. Many international articles were found, contrasting with a very small number of Brazilian articles. CAM may be conceptualized as being totally or partially preventable by the effective healthcare measures available (or accessible) at a given time and place. Consequently, these CAM lists must be reviewed, based on the knowledge and improvements in healthcare technology. Further developments should be deployed in support of adequate Brazilian listings, including the definition of CAM, with validation and details regarding the underlying assumptions in order to encourage discussions in greater depth. In conclusion, and despite some methodological difficulties, a process should be launched to define the Brazilian CAM listings through the actions of Brazil's National Health System.