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Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency deaths in the United States from 1979-1991. An analysis using multiple-cause mortality
R J Browne1, D M Mannino, M J Khoury
1Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, USA.
Chest
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Reported deaths from alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) increased significantly in the US from 1979-1991. AATD is a key risk factor for lung and liver disease, though often underreported.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder that can lead to serious lung and liver conditions.
- Understanding mortality trends associated with AATD is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends in reported mortality attributed to alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency in the United States between 1979 and 1991.
Main Methods:
- Utilized death certificate data from the National Center for Health Statistics' multiple-cause mortality files.
- Analyzed 26,866,600 deaths over a 13-year period.
Main Results:
- Reported AATD mortality increased by 86% from 4.3 to 8.0 per 10 million between 1979 and 1991.
- Mortality rates were higher in white populations compared to other racial groups.
- AATD was noted in 2.7% of obstructive lung disease deaths (ages 35-44) and 1.2% of childhood hepatic disease deaths (ages 1-14).
Conclusions:
- Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency is an underrecognized risk factor for obstructive lung and liver diseases.
- Increasing reporting frequency suggests improved diagnosis or awareness, but underreporting likely persists.
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