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Published on: November 4, 2010
Trends in asthma-related paediatric mortality
Isabel J Hardee1, Michael C Monuteaux2, Robert M Hoffmann2
1Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital Department of Pediatrics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA isabel.hardee@childrens.harvard.edu.
Insights
Paediatric asthma mortality rates remained stable from 1999-2023. However, asthma deaths were higher in males, older children, and Black children, indicating a need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Mortality Trends
- Asthma Epidemiology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Asthma is a significant cause of death in children.
- Understanding temporal trends in pediatric asthma mortality is crucial for public health.
- Existing data on long-term trends in pediatric asthma deaths require further analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in pediatric asthma-related mortality in the US.
- To examine demographic disparities in pediatric asthma mortality.
- To identify specific age, sex, and racial groups with higher asthma mortality.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) WONDER data.
- Data spanned from 1999 to 2023.
- Negative binomial regression used to assess temporal trends and group differences.
Main Results:
- A total of 5357 pediatric asthma deaths were recorded.
- The overall pediatric asthma mortality rate was stable at 3 per 1,000,000 children.
- Mortality rates were higher among males, children aged 10-19 years, and Black children compared to white children.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric asthma mortality rates have remained stable over the study period.
- Targeted interventions are needed to address disparities in asthma mortality among Black children.
- Future advancements in pediatric asthma treatment should focus on reducing mortality and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Abstract:
Asthma is a leading cause of paediatric mortality. This study aims to elucidate trends in paediatric mortality over time. Using US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) WONDER data, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of paediatric asthma-related mortality between 1999 and 2023, overall and stratified by year, age, sex, race and region. Negative binomial regression was used to test the linear temporal trend and conduct group comparisons in asthma-related mortality rates. Over the study period, there were 5357 asthma deaths. The mortality rate was 3 per 1 000 000 children and rates remained stable over this period. Asthma mortality was higher in males, children 10-19 years (compared to children 5-9 years) and black (relative to white) children. Advances in the treatment of paediatric asthma should be aimed at reducing mortality and addressing differential health outcomes among black children.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
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Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:

