[Analysis of multiple-cause mortality: a new approach]

Due to changes in mortality patterns, cronic and degenerative diseases have become a major problem in Mexico. Description and explanation of this kind of deaths is difficult by means of a single cause of death. In order to have a better understanding of this fenomenum an analysis of 4021 deaths occurred in Mexico city during april and may in 1985 using multiple cause of death was performed, this analysis take count of all causes reported in death certificates. With the method of multiple cause we found that the number of associated deaths, for example with hypertension and nutritional deficiencies, was considerably greater that when reported as underlying cause.