# A Retrospective Study to Assess Temporal Trends in Mortality Related to Liver Disease From 1999 to 2020 in Patients With Depression in the United States

## TL;DR

This study examines how liver disease mortality linked to depression has changed in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020, highlighting rising trends and demographic disparities.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into the increasing mortality trends of liver disease associated with depression across different demographics in the U.S.

## Key findings

- Mortality rates increased significantly from 1999 to 2020, with a notable rise in females from 2011 to 2020.
- White individuals and those in metropolitan areas had the highest mortality rates.
- Males accounted for the majority of deaths related to liver disease and depression.

## Abstract

Introduction: Liver diseases are major causes of mortality, and their association with depression remains underexplored. Understanding this relationship is essential in identifying high-risk populations and developing targeted public health interventions.

Aims: This study aims to analyze mortality trends and demographic disparities in liver disease with depression as a contributing cause, using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Multiple Cause of Death (MCD) database (1999-2020).

Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted using the CDC MCD database to assess mortality trends in individuals aged 25 years and older in the United States from 1999 to 2020. The study included deaths where liver disease (ICD-10: K70-K76) was listed as the underlying cause and depression (ICD-10: F32) as a contributing cause. Data were analyzed by age, gender, race, geographic region, and place of death. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) and annual percentage change (APC) were calculated.

Results: A total of 3,945 deaths were recorded. The AAMR initially increased (+8.25% APC from 1999 to 2007) and kept increasing slightly (+8.41% APC from 2010 to 2020). The highest mortality was observed in males (N = 2075, 52.6%), White individuals (N = 3647, 92.4%), and metropolitan regions (N = 3142, 79.7%). Temporal trends showed a higher AAMR in females from 2011 to 2020 (+11.99% APC) compared to 1999-2006 (+11.94%).

Conclusions: Overall, AAMR is trending upward. Our findings emphasize the need for targeted prevention strategies and improved healthcare access across all demographics.