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Increase in motor neuron disease mortality in Spain: temporal and geographical analysis (1990-2005)
Veronica Alonso1, Ana Villaverde-Hueso, Manuel J Hens
1Rare Diseases Research Institute, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. valonso@isciii.es
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess the trend of motor neuron disease mortality in Spain from 1990 to 2005, and to ascertain the existence of geographical differences in mortality rates. MND deaths are registered by the National Statistics Institute of Spain – International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes ICD9 335.2 (1990-1998) and ICD10 G12.2 (1999-2005). Annual sex- and age-specific rates, as well as rates adjusted for the standard European population were obtained. Provincial standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for the study period. Respective provincial SMRs were smoothed with data from adjacent provinces using a Poisson model. Results showed that MND mortality increased in Spain from 1990 to 2005. Geographical differences between provinces were evident throughout the study period. In general, risk of death due to MND was higher in regions lying to the north of Spain. In conclusion, the temporal and geographical variability observed might be explained by genetic factors, differences in environmental exposures and the possible influence of the type of medical care and treatment received. Mortality depends also on health service quality and diagnostic validity. All these factors may play a very important role in analysis of MND mortality in Spain, and the contribution of each of these will have to be examined in depth by ad hoc studies.
Insights
Motor neuron disease (MND) mortality increased in Spain between 1990 and 2005, with higher death rates observed in northern regions. Geographical variations in MND mortality suggest potential environmental or genetic influences.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Motor neuron disease (MND) represents a group of progressive neurodegenerative disorders.
- Understanding temporal and geographical trends in MND mortality is crucial for public health planning and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the mortality trends of motor neuron disease (MND) in Spain from 1990 to 2005.
- To investigate geographical disparities in MND mortality rates across Spanish provinces.
Main Methods:
- Utilized National Statistics Institute of Spain data for MND deaths (ICD9 335.2, ICD10 G12.2).
- Calculated annual sex- and age-specific mortality rates, adjusted to the standard European population.
- Computed and smoothed provincial standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) using a Poisson model.
Main Results:
- MND mortality rates showed an increasing trend in Spain during the study period (1990-2005).
- Significant geographical differences in MND mortality were identified among provinces.
- Higher risks of death from MND were generally observed in northern Spanish regions.
Conclusions:
- The observed temporal and geographical variations in MND mortality may be linked to genetic factors, environmental exposures, and healthcare quality.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific contributions of these factors to MND mortality patterns in Spain.
- Diagnostic validity and healthcare service quality are important considerations in MND mortality analysis.
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