# Temporal Trends and Disparities in Chronic Liver Disease Mortality: An Analysis Using National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Data Ranging From 1999 to 2023

## TL;DR

This study shows rising chronic liver disease deaths since 2007, with big differences by gender, race, and age, stressing the need for targeted public health actions.

## Contribution

The study reveals recent trends and disparities in CLD mortality using CDC data from 1999 to 2023, emphasizing post-pandemic patterns and vulnerable groups.

## Key findings

- CLD mortality increased from 2007 to 2021, peaking at 14.5 per 100,000, largely due to the pandemic.
- Males, American Indian/Alaska Native populations, and older adults had the highest mortality rates.
- Hispanic individuals showed a significant rise in CLD mortality after 2010.

## Abstract

Background: Chronic liver disease (CLD) remains a significant global health concern, with fluctuating mortality trends over the past two decades. This study analyzes age-adjusted CLD mortality rates using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) from 1999 to 2023, highlighting temporal trends and demographic disparities.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of CLD mortality rates stratified by year, gender, race, age group, and Hispanicity. Age-adjusted mortality rates were computed using direct standardization, and trends were examined over different periods.

Results: Between 1999 and 2006, CLD mortality rates declined from 9.6 to 8.8 per 100,000 population. However, from 2007 onward, mortality rates increased, peaking at 14.5 in 2021, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Males exhibited consistently higher mortality rates than females. Racial disparities were evident, with American Indian/Alaska Native populations experiencing the highest mortality rates. Age-related trends showed the greatest burden in older adults, while mortality rates in younger populations also rose in recent years. Hispanic individuals demonstrated a significant increase in CLD mortality, particularly post-2010.

Conclusion: CLD mortality has risen significantly since 2007, with a pronounced peak in 2021. Despite a post-pandemic decline, rates remain above pre-2019 levels. These findings emphasize the significance of customized public health interventions and strategies tackling alcohol use, various metabolic risk factors, and healthcare access, especially for high-risk individuals and populations.