All-cause Standardized Mortality Ratios Research Articles

Mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A meta-analysis of overall and cause-specific effects.

Our objective was to assess the overall and cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) among patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An exhaustive systematic review was undertaken, encompassing studies that scrutinized SMRs, both overall and for specific causes, in patients diagnosed with SLE compared to the general populace. The databases of PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane were meticulously searched to collate relevant literature. Following this comprehensive search, a meta-analysis was executed to methodically assess all-cause, sex-specific, ethnicity-specific, and cause-specific SMRs in individuals with SLE. The inclusion criteria were met by 29 studies encompassing 72,342 patients with SLE and documenting 7352 deaths. The meta-analysis disclosed a pronounced 2.87-fold elevation in the SMR for all-cause mortality in SLE patients relative to the general population (SMR, 2.866; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.490-3.242; p < .001). Region-specific assessments showed variable all-cause SMRs, with Europe reporting 2.607 (95% CI, 1.939-3.275; p < .001), Asia revealing 3.043 (95% CI, 2.082-4.004; p < .001), and particularly high SMRs noted in North America and Oceania. Gender-focused analyses presented a pooled SMR of 3.261 (95% CI, 2.674-3.848; p < .001) for females, and 2.747 (95% CI, 2.190-3.304; p < .001) for males. Evaluations specific to cause of death illustrated notably elevated SMRs for renal disease (SMR, 4.486; 95% CI, 3.024-5.948; p < .001), infections (SMR, 4.946; 95% CI, 4.253-5.639; p < .001), cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (SMR, 2.931; 95% CI, 1.802-4.061; p < .001), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) (SMR, 1.588; 95% CI, 0.647-2.528; p = .001), and cancer (SMR, 1.698; 95% CI, 0.871-2.525; p < .001). This meta-analysis underscores a significant 2.87-fold elevation in the SMR among patients with SLE compared to the general population, transcending differences in sex or geographical regions. Moreover, an appreciable increase in mortality due to specific causes, including renal disease, infection, CVD, CVA, malignancy, and neuropsychiatric SLE, accentuates the imperative for targeted interventions to mitigate these elevated risks in SLE patients.

Late mortality among 5-year survivors of childhood cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of late mortality (death ≥5years after diagnosis) from cancer recurrence and treatment-related late effects. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide comprehensive estimates of late mortality risk among survivors internationally and to investigate differences in risk across world regions. Health sciences databases were searched for cohort studies comprised of 5-year childhood cancer survivors in which the risk of mortality was evaluated across multiple cancer types. Eligible studies assessed all-cause mortality risk in survivors relative to the general population using the standardized mortality ratio (SMR). The absolute excess risk (AER) was assessed as a secondary measure to examine excess deaths. Cause-specific mortality risk was also assessed, if reported. SMRs from nonoverlapping cohorts were combined in subgroup meta-analysis, and the effect of world region was tested in univariate meta-regression. Nineteen studies were included, and cohort sizes ranged from 314 to 77,423 survivors. Throughout survivorship, SMRs for all-cause mortality generally declined, whereas AERs increased after 15-20years from diagnosis in several cohorts. All-cause SMRs were significantly lower overall in North American studies than in European studies (relative SMR, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.80). SMRs for subsequent malignant neoplasms and for cardiovascular, respiratory, and external causes did not vary significantly between world regions. The current findings suggest that late mortality risk may differ significantly between world regions, but these conclusions are based on a limited number of studies with considerable heterogeneity. Reasons for regional differences remain unclear but may be better elucidated through future analyses of individual-level data.

Mortality in patients with schizophrenia in Japan.

Patients with schizophrenia have a higher mortality risk than the general population. However, no recent studies have investigated mortality in patients with schizophrenia in Japan. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to evaluate excess mortality and risk factors for mortality in patients with schizophrenia in Japan. We included patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder at Yamanashi Prefectural Kita Hospital between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017. Standardized mortality ratios(SMRs) were used to compare mortality rates between patients with schizophrenia and the general population. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate risk factors associated with mortality. Of the 1,699 patients with schizophrenia (893 men and 806 women), 104 (55 men and 49 women) died during the study period. The all-cause SMR (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 2.18 (1.76-2.60); the natural- and unnatural-cause SMRs were 2.06 (1.62-2.50) and 5.07 (2.85-7.30), respectively. Men (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.10-4.56), age (adjusted OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.09-1.16), and barbiturate use (adjusted OR = 8.17, 95% CI = 2.07-32.32) were associated with the risk of mortality. The mortality rate remains high in patients with schizophrenia in Japan. Further studies are needed to evaluate mortality trends in this population.

Long-term mortality among adults diagnosed with cancer during three decades in Finland

IntroductionThis study aimed to determine all-cause and cause-specific mortality and, their time trends among adults with cancer, particularly among those who survived at least 5 years after cancer diagnosis, in comparison with mortality in the general population of the same age and sex.MethodsThe data on people with cancer were obtained from Finnish Cancer Registry and their underlying causes of death was obtained from Statistics Finland. All-cause and cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for 327,585 people with cancer diagnosed between 1971 and 2000 and followed up until December 2012, stratified by decade and age of cancer diagnosis, sex, and type of cancer.ResultsIn the working age (25–64 years), 50% of men and 74% of women diagnosed during 1991–2000 were alive 5 years of diagnosis; the corresponding proportions during 1971–1980 were 29 and 54%. Among the elderly people (65–74 years), corresponding proportions were 40 and 49%, and 19 and 32% in men and women, respectively. During the follow-up of 5–12 years, the all-cause SMR among working age people with cancer diagnosed 1971–2000 was 2.5 (95% CI 2.4–2.5) in men and 3.6 (95% CI 3.5–3.6) in women. A 20% excess mortality due to cardiovascular diseases was observed among working-age people in both sexes. Highest all-cause SMRs were observed among working age people with lung cancer in 1991–2000 (men 5.1, 95% CI 4.5–5.8: women 8.1, 95% CI 6.5–11). People diagnosed with cancer at an adult age in Finland have higher SMR in the follow-up category of 5–11.9 years but the absolute excess mortality for all calendar periods 1971–2000 combined in the older age category (3,448 per 100,000) is higher than in the younger category (2,247 per 100,000).DiscussionAlthough the primary cause of death among cancer patients is cancer itself, increased SMRs of other conditions such as infections could indicate possible effect of cancer treatments as well as presence of shared risk factors among these diseases.

Risk of Mortality After a Diagnosis of Melanoma In Situ

The incidence of melanoma in situ (MIS) is increasing more rapidly than any invasive or in situ cancer in the US. Although more than half of melanomas diagnosed are MIS, information about long-term prognosis following a diagnosis of MIS remains unknown. To evaluate mortality and factors associated with mortality after a diagnosis of MIS. This population-based cohort study of adults with a diagnosis of first primary MIS from 2000 to 2018 included data from the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, which were analyzed from July to September 2022. Mortality after a diagnosis of MIS was evaluated using 15-year melanoma-specific survival, 15-year relative survival (ie, compared with similar individuals without MIS), and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for death by demographic and clinical characteristics. Among 137 872 patients with a first-and-only MIS, the mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 61.9 (16.5) years (64 027 women [46.4%]; 239 [0.2%] American Indian or Alaska Native, 606 [0.4%] Asian, 344 [0.2%] Black, 3348 [2.4%] Hispanic, and 133 335 [96.7%] White individuals). Mean (range) follow-up was 6.6 (0-18.9) years. The 15-year melanoma-specific survival was 98.4% (95% CI, 98.3%-98.5%), whereas the 15-year relative survival was 112.4% (95% CI, 112.0%-112.8%). The melanoma-specific SMR was 1.89 (95% CI, 1.77-2.02); however, the all-cause SMR was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.67-0.7). Risk of melanoma-specific mortality was higher for older patients (7.4% for those 80 years or older vs 1.4% for those aged 60-69 years; adjusted HR, 8.2; 95% CI, 6.7-10.0) and patients with acral lentiginous histology results (3.3% for acral lentiginous vs 0.9% for superficial spreading; HR, 5.3; 95% CI, 2.3-12.3). Of patients with primary MIS, 6751 (4.3%) experienced a second primary invasive melanoma and 11 628 (7.4%) experienced a second primary MIS. Compared with patients without a subsequent melanoma, the risk of melanoma-specific mortality was increased for those with a second primary invasive melanoma (adjusted HR, 4.1; 95% CI, 3.6-4.6) and was decreased for those with a second primary MIS (adjusted HR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9). The results of this cohort study suggest that patients with a diagnosis of MIS have an increased but low risk of melanoma-specific mortality and live longer than people in the general population, suggesting that there is significant detection of low-risk disease among health-seeking individuals. Factors associated with death following MIS include older age (≥80 years) and subsequent primary invasive melanoma.

All-Cause Standardized Mortality Ratio in Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at a higher mortality risk compared with the general population. Previous studies have described a relationship between mortality and patients with ESRD, but the data on standardized mortality ratio (SMR) corresponding to different causes of death in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are limited. This study was designed as a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study. Incident dialysis patients between January 2000 and December 2015 in Taiwan were included. Using data acquired from the Taiwan Death Registry, SMR values were calculated and compared with the overall survival. The results showed there were a total of 128,966 patients enrolled, including 117,376 incident HD patients and 11,590 incident PD patients. It was found that 75,297 patients (58.4%) died during the period of 2000-2017. The overall SMR was 5.21. The neoplasms SMR was 2.11; the endocrine, nutritional, metabolic, and immunity disorders SMR was 13.53; the circulatory system SMR was 4.31; the respiratory system SMR was 2.59; the digestive system SMR was 6.1; and the genitourinary system SMR was 27.22. Therefore, more attention should be paid to these diseases in clinical care.

Suicide and other causes of death among Chernobyl cleanup workers from Estonia, 1986 − 2020: an update

Mortality was studied in a cohort of 4831 men from Estonia who participated in the environmental cleanup of the radioactively contaminated areas around Chernobyl in 1986–1991. Their mortality in 1986–2020 was compared with the mortality in the Estonian male population. A total of 1503 deaths were registered among the 4812 traced men. The all-cause standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 1.04 (95% CI 0.99–1.09). All-cancer mortality was elevated (SMR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03–1.28). Radiation-related cancers were in excess (SMR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.36); however, the excesses could be attributed to tobacco and alcohol consumption. For smoking-related cancers, the SMR was 1.20 (95% CI 1.06–1.35) and for alcohol-related cancers the SMR was 1.56 (95% CI 1.26–1.86). Adjusted relative risks (ARR) of all-cause mortality were increased among workers who stayed in the Chernobyl area ≥ 92 days (ARR 1.20, 95% CI 1.08–1.34), were of non-Estonian ethnicity (ARR 1.33, 95% CI 1.19–1.47) or had lower (basic or less) education (ARR 1.63, 95% CI 1.45–1.83). Suicide mortality was increased (SMR 1.31, 95% CI 1.05–1.56), most notably among men with lower education (ARR 2.24, 95% CI 1.42–3.53). Our findings provide additional evidence that unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and smoking play an important role in shaping cancer mortality patterns among Estonian Chernobyl cleanup workers. The excess number of suicides suggests long-term psychiatric and substance use problems tied to Chernobyl-related stressors, i.e., the psychosocial impact was greater than any direct carcinogenic effect of low-dose radiation.

Mortality rate of people exposed to Mustard Gas during Iran-Iraq war in Sardasht, Iran: a 32 years retrospective cohort study

BackgroundMustard gas (MG) is one of the most widely used chemical weapons in the past century. However, little information exists concerning long-term mortality from MG exposure. In this study, we investigated mortality rate among civilian people exposed to MG during Iran-Iraq war in Sardasht in Iran after 32 years. MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, data of people exposed to MG in Sardasht in 1987 were extracted from the Veterans and Martyr Affair Foundation of Iran up to March 20, 2019. Mortality rate, cumulative mortality and standardized mortality ratio with 95% confidence interval were calculated to explain mortality in the cohort, and then compared with general Iranian population. Cox regression analysis was used to indicate factor affecting the risk of death in the cohort. ResultsOut of 1,203 exposed people at the beginning of the period, 148 people died by the end of the study, with an average age of 66.42 at the time of death. Total person-years of the people up to end of the study were 38,198.63 and mortality rate was equal to 387 per 100,000 persons-years. Total number of observed deaths was less than expected death and the all-cause standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was determined as 0.680 (95% CI: 0.574 – 0.798). Cause-specific SMR showed that observed death due to respiratory diseases was higher than expected (SMR: 1.75) (95% CI: 1.145 – 2.569). The results of univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis showed that increasing age and having severe late complications in lung were associated with increased risk of death among people in the cohort.ConclusionIn general, this result indicated that acute exposure to MG, even without wearing protective clothing and masks, could not increase all-cause mortality after 32 years if accompanied by special and ongoing care for those exposed.

All-cause and cause-specific mortality of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Korea: A nation-wide population-based study.

To compare all-cause and cause-specific mortality between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients versus the general population of Korea. A nationally representative RA population aged≥40 years was identified from Korea National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS) database. We estimated age- and sex-adjusted all-cause and cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), comparing RA patients to the general population. Subgroup analyses were done by sex, age group, calendar year, and biologics use. We identified 79,352 RA patients with 6404 deaths during 2011-2016. The all-cause SMR [95% CI] of RA patients compared to the general population was 1.53 [1.49-1.56]. The top five causes of death were cancer (19.5%), respiratory disease (19.1%), cardiovascular disease (18.8%), systemic rheumatic diseases (9.5%, 9.1% due to RA), and infection (6.1%). Cause-specific SMRs [95% CI] were 0.95 [0.90-1.01] for cancer, 3.34 [3.15-3.52] for respiratory disease, 1.26 [1.18-1.33] for cardiovascular disease, 3.41 [3.08-3.75] for infection, and 4.88 [3.10-6.65] for non-RA systemic rheumatic disease. The SMR of RA population was slightly higher among men than women, and highest in their 60s and 70s. The yearly SMR increased from 1.10 [1.01-1.18] in 2011 to 1.85 [1.75-1.95] in 2016 due to population aging and comorbidity accumulation. Users of biologics showed a higher SMR than non-users (1.82 [1.69-1.96] vs. 1.50 [1.46-1.54]), due to higher RA activity, and more comorbidities despite a younger mean age. RA patients in Korea experienced 1.5-fold increase in all-cause mortality compared to the general population. Except for cancer, the top five causes of death were associated with excess mortality among RA patients. RA-associated mortality was largely determined by age, RA activity, and comorbidity status.

Standardized mortality ratios in multiple sclerosis: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

To perform a meta-analysis of all-cause, cause-specific and gender-specific standardized mortality ratio and crude mortality rate for people with multiple sclerosis. We also examined the temporal trends in this data. Medline, Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched. Keywords were "multiple sclerosis" and "standardized mortality ratio" or "Standardized Mortality Ratio". We included longitudinal studies with available data on the number of deaths, follow-up period, person years and reports of standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Crude mortality ratio (CMR) was calculated and SMR was extracted. CMRs and log-SMR were pooled by the method of inverse variance. Meta-regression models were used to investigate temporal trends. Fifty-seven articles were screened. Fifteen studies were included covering a period 1949-2013 (160,000 patients; 21,225 deaths). The all-cause SMR for people with MS was 2.61 (95% CI 2.58 to 2.65). For men this was 2.47 (95% CI 2.42 to 2.52) and for women 2.57 (95% CI 2.53 to 2.61). The CMR was 13.45/1000 person years. Cause-specific SMR was 1.74 (1.67 to 1.81) for CVD, 4.70 (4.45 to 4.87) for respiratory disease and infection, 1.81 (1.64 to 2.0) for accident and suicide and 0.99 (0.93 to 1.06) for cancer. Meta-regression analysis of the SMR compared to midpoint follow-up year revealed no relationship (co-efficient 0.001, p=.98). People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have reduced overall survival and increased risk of death from cardiovascular, respiratory and infectious disease as well as accidents and suicide. This does not appear to have changed over the last 65years.

An expanding HIV epidemic among older adults in Ukraine: Implications for patient-centered care.

IntroductionThe Eastern Europe and Central Asian (EECA) region has the highest increase in HIV incidence and mortality globally, with suboptimal HIV treatment and prevention. All EECA countries (except Russia) are low and middle-income (LMIC). While LMIC are home to 80% of all older people living with HIV (OPWH), defined as ≥50 years, extant literature observed that newly diagnosed OPWH represent the lowest proportion in EECA relative to all other global regions. We examined HIV diagnoses in OPWH in Ukraine, a country emblematic of the EECA region.MethodsWe analysed incident HIV diagnoses from 2015–2018 and mortality trends from 2016–2018 for three age groups: 1) 15–24 years; 2) 25–49 years; and 3) ≥50 years. AIDS was defined as CD4<200cells/mL. Mortality was defined as deaths per 1000 patients newly diagnosed with HIV within the same calendar year. Mortality rates were calculated for 2016, 2017, and 2018, compared to age-matched general population rates, and all-cause standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated.ResultsFrom 2015–2018, the proportion of OPWH annually diagnosed with HIV increased from 11.2% to 14.9% (p<0.01). At the time of diagnosis, OPWH were also significantly (p<0.01) more likely to have AIDS (43.8%) than those aged 25–49 years (29.5%) and 15–24 years (13.3%). Newly diagnosed OPWH had the same-year mortality ranging from 3 to 8 times higher than age-matched groups in the Ukrainian general population.ConclusionsThese findings suggest a reassessment of HIV testing, prevention and treatment strategies in Ukraine is needed to bring OPWH into focus. OPWH are more likely to present with late-stage HIV and have higher mortality rates. Re-designing testing practices is especially crucial since OPWH are absent from targeted testing programs and are increasingly diagnosed as they present with AIDS-defining symptoms. New strategies for linkage and treatment programs should reflect the distinct needs of this target population.

Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan From 1998 Through 2014.

BackgroundTo investigate all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Taiwanese patients with type 1 diabetes.MethodsA cohort of 17,203 patients with type 1 diabetes were identified from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance claims in the period of 1998–2014. Person-years were accumulated for each individual from date of type 1 diabetes registration to date of death or the last day of 2014. Age, sex, and calendar year standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated with reference to the general population.ResultsIn up to 17 years of follow-up, 4,916 patients died from 182,523 person-years. Diabetes (30.15%), cancer (20.48%), circulatory diseases (13.14%), and renal diseases (11.45%) were the leading underlying causes of death. Mortality rate (26.93 per 1,000 person-years) from type 1 diabetes in Taiwan was high, the cause of death with the highest mortality rate was diabetes (8.12 per 1,000 person-years), followed by cancer (5.52 per 1,000 person-years), and circulatory diseases (3.54 per 1,000 person-years). The all-cause SMR was significantly elevated at 4.16 (95% confidence interval, 4.04–4.28), with a greater all-cause SMR noted in females than in males (4.62 vs 3.79). The cause-specific SMR was highly elevated for diabetes (SMR, 16.45), followed by renal disease (SMR, 14.48), chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis (SMR, 4.91) and infection (SMR, 4.59). All-cause SMRs were also significantly increased for all ages, with the greatest figure noted for 15–24 years (SMR, 8.46).ConclusionsType 1 diabetes in both genders and all ages was associated with significantly elevated SMRs for all-cause and mostly for diabetes per se and renal disease.

P-EP020. Mortality in adult epilepsy patient in Malaysia: Hospital-based study

Introduction. The reported mortality rate of epilepsy in Asia ranged from 2.5-5.1, but there was no published data in Malaysia. This study aimed to find out the mortality rate of patient with epilepsy in University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Methods. There were 2389 patients with epilepsy recruited retrospectively from 2009-2018 in this study. Fatal cases were identified from National Registry Department Malaysia. Age- specific and gender-specific Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) were calculated. Results. There were 175 deaths (7.33%). The all-cause overall SMR is 1.6 (CI 95% 1.4-1.8). The SMR in the younger age groups (15- 19, 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49) were higher than the older age groups. Overall SMR for male patients (1.8, CI 95% 1.5-2.2) was higher than female (1.3, CI 95% 1.0-1.6). However, in specific age groups (15-19, 20-29 and 30-39), the SMR in female was higher. Conclusion. The mortality rate of epilepsy in Malaysia is higher than the general population in Malaysia but lower than other Asian countries. Specifically, the rate is higher among the males and younger age group.

All-Cause Mortality Risk in National Prostate Cancer Cohort: An Impact of Population-Based Prostate Cancer Screening.

The aim of this study is to evaluate all-cause mortality risk differences before and during prostate cancer screening, with a profound focus on the differences between screened and not-screened patient groups. Prostate cancer cases diagnosed between 1998 and 2016 were identified from the population-based Lithuanian Cancer Registry and linked with screening status in the National Health Insurance Fund database. The analysis was stratified by a period of diagnosis and screening status. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were used to assess all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk. The SMRs were calculated by dividing the observed number of deaths among prostate cancer patients by the expected number of deaths from the general population. All-cause SMR (1.45 (95% CI 1.42–1.48)) in the pre-screening period was higher compared to the screening period (SMR = 1.17 (95% CI 1.15–1.19)). An increased all-cause mortality risk among prostate cancer patients was observed in the not-screened patient population (SMR = 1.76 (95% CI 1.71–1.82)), while all-cause mortality risk in the screened patient population was similar to the general population (SMR = 1.00 (95% CI 0.97–1.02)). Screened patients with localized stage of disease had lower all-cause mortality risk than the general population (SMR = 0.72 (95% CI 0.70–0.75)). In conclusion, men with prostate cancer in Lithuania had excess all-cause mortality risk compared to the general population. The all-cause mortality risk among screened patients was not higher than expected.

Mortality in adult epilepsy patients in Malaysia: a hospital-based study

Background: The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of epilepsy in Asia ranges from 2.5 to 5.1. However, there are no such published data in Malaysia to date. Understanding the mortality rate and related factors will allow us to better assess and monitor the health status of PWE, thereby, preventing premature deaths among PWE. Hence, this study aimed to determine the mortality rate of adults with epilepsy (PWE) at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Method: A total of 2218 PWE were recruited retrospectively into this study. Deceased cases from 2009-2018 were identified from the National Registry Department of Malaysia. Age-, gender-, and ethnic-specific SMR were calculated. Result: There was a total of 163 deaths, of which 111 (68.1%) were male. The overall case-fatality rate (CFR) was 7.3%. Male PWE had higher CFR (9.2%) compared to females (5.1%, p<0.001). The annual death rate of PWE was 867 per 100, 000 persons. The overall all-cause SMR was 1.6 (CI 95% 1.3-1.8). The SMR for younger age groups (15-19 and 20-29 years) were higher (5.4-5.5) compared to other age groups (0.4-2.5). Overall SMR for male PWE (1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.1) was higher than females (1.2, 95% CI 0.9-1.6). However, the SMR for female PWE in the younger age groups (15-19, 20-29 and 30-39 years) was higher. SMR among the Indian PWE was the highest (1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.0) compared to the Chinese (1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9) and the Malays (1.4, 95% 1.0-1.9). The CFR was higher in those with focal epilepsy (8.5% vs. 2.5-3.7% in genetic and other generalized epilepsies, p=0.003), epilepsy with structural cause (9.5% vs. 5.9% in others, p=0.005) and uncontrolled seizures (7.9% vs. 5.2% in seizure-free group, p<0.001). Conclusion: The mortality rate of PWE in Malaysia is higher than that of the general population but lower compared to other Asian countries. Specifically, the rates are higher in the younger age group, male gender, and Indian ethnicity. Those with focal epilepsy, structural causes and uncontrolled seizures have higher mortality rates.

Excess mortality and life-years lost in people with bipolar disorder: an 11-year population-based cohort study.

Bipolar disorder is associated with premature mortality, but evidence is mostly derived from Western countries. There has been no research evaluating shortened lifespan in bipolar disorder using life-years lost (LYLs), which is a recently developed mortality metric taking into account illness onset for life expectancy estimation. The current study aimed to examine the extent of premature mortality in bipolar disorder patients relative to the general population in Hong Kong (HK) in terms of standardised mortality ratio (SMR) and excess LYLs, and changes of mortality rate over time. This population-based cohort study investigated excess mortality in 12 556 bipolar disorder patients between 2008 and 2018, by estimating all-cause and cause-specific SMRs, and LYLs. Trends in annual SMRs over the 11-year study period were assessed. Study data were retrieved from a territory-wide medical-record database of HK public healthcare services. Patients had higher all-cause [SMR: 2.60 (95% CI: 2.45-2.76)], natural-cause [SMR: 1.90 (95% CI: 1.76-2.05)] and unnatural-cause [SMR: 8.63 (95% CI: 7.34-10.03)] mortality rates than the general population. Respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancers accounted for the majority of deaths. Men and women with bipolar disorder had 6.78 (95% CI: 6.00-7.84) years and 7.35 (95% CI: 6.75-8.06) years of excess LYLs, respectively. The overall mortality gap remained similar over time, albeit slightly improved in men with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is associated with increased premature mortality and substantially reduced lifespan in a predominantly Chinese population, with excess deaths mainly attributed to natural causes. Persistent mortality gap underscores an urgent need for targeted interventions to improve physical health of patients with bipolar disorder.

Diabetes, Active Disease, and Afternoon Serum Cortisol Levels Predict Cushing’s Disease Mortality: A Cohort Study

Cushing's disease (CD) is a life-threating disease, with increased mortality in comparison with the general population. This study aimed to evaluate standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in CD patients. We also analyzed independent risk factors related to increased mortality. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study in a 3rd level specialty center, from 1979 to 2018, in patients with CD. From 1375 cases with a pathology diagnosis of pituitary adenoma, 191 cases had the confirmed diagnosis of CD (14%). A total of 172 patients completed follow-up, with a mean age at diagnosis of 33 ± 11 years, female predominance (n = 154, 89.5%), majority of them with microadenoma (n = 136, 79%), and a median follow-up of 7.5 years (2.4-15). Eighteen patients (10.5%) died, 8 of them (44%) were with active CD, 8 (44%) were under remission, and 2 (11%) were under disease control. Estimated all-cause SMR = 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9-4.8, P < 0.001. Cardiovascular disease was the main cause of death (SMR = 4.2, 1.5-9.3, P = 0.01). Multivariate Cox regression models adjusted for potential cofounders showed that diabetes (HR = 5.2, IC 95% 1.8-15.4, P = 0.002), high cortisol levels after 1600 hours at diagnosis (3.4, 2.3-7.0, P = 0.02), and active CD (7.5, 3.8-17.3, P = 0.003) significantly increased the risk of mortality. Main cause of CD mortality was cardiovascular disease. Main risk factors for mortality were uncontrolled diabetes, persistently high cortisol levels after 1600 hours at diagnosis, and active disease at last follow-up.

All-cause and cause-specific mortality among people with regular or problematic cocaine use: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To estimate pooled all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk for people with regular or problematic cocaine use. Systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective or retrospective cohort studies or clinical trials (n≥30) of people with regular or problematic cocaine use with data on all-cause or cause-specific mortality. Of 2808 papers, 28 were eligible and reported on 21 cohorts, with a total 170 019 individuals. Cohorts identified based on acute care for drug poisoning or other severe health presentation were excluded. Title/abstract screening was conducted by one reviewer; a second reviewer independently checked 10% of excluded studies. Two reviewers conducted full-text screening. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. A customized review-specific study reporting quality/risk of bias tool was used. Data on crude mortality rates (CMR) and standardized mortality ratios were extracted for both all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Standardized mortality ratios were imputed where not provided by the author using extracted data and information from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. The pooled all-cause crude mortality rate was 1.24 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.86, 1.78; n=16 cohorts], but with considerable heterogeneity (I2 =98.8%). The pooled all-cause standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 6.13 (95% CI=4.15, 9.05; n=16 cohorts). Suicide (SMR=6.26, 95% CI = 2.84, 13.80), accidental injury (SMR=6.36, 95% CI=4.18, 9.68), homicide (SMR=9.38, 95% CI 3.45-25.48) and AIDS-related mortality (SMR=23.12, 95% CI=11.30, 47.31) were all elevated compared with age and sex peers in the general population. There are elevated rates of mortality among people with regular or problematic cocaine use for traumatic deaths and deaths attributable to infectious disease.

Secular trends in all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates in people with diabetes in Hong Kong, 2001-2016: a retrospective cohort study.

The aim of the study was to describe trends in all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates in Hong Kong Chinese people with diabetes from 2001 to 2016. The Hong Kong Diabetes Surveillance Database (HKDSD) is a territory-wide diabetes cohort identified from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority electronic medical record system. Deaths between 2001 and 2016 were identified from linkage to the Hong Kong Death Registry. We used Joinpoint regression analysis to describe mortality patterns among people with diabetes by age and sex, and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) to compare all-cause mortality rates in people with and without diabetes. Between 2001 and 2016, a total of 390,071 men and 380,007 women aged 20years or older with diabetes were included in the HKDSD. There were 96,645 deaths among men and 88,437 deaths among women. Mortality rates for all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer among people with diabetes declined by 52.3%, 72.2% and 65.1% in men, respectively, and by 53.5%, 78.5% and 59.6% in women, respectively. Pneumonia mortality rates remained stable. The leading cause of death in people with diabetes has shifted from cardiovascular disease to pneumonia in the oldest age group, with cancer remaining the most common cause of death in people aged 45-74years. The all-cause SMRs for men declined from 2.82 (95% CI 2.72, 2.94) to 1.50 (95% CI 1.46, 1.54), and for women, they declined from 3.28 (95% CI 3.15, 3.41) to 1.67 (95% CI 1.62, 1.72). However, among people aged 20-44years, the declines in all-cause mortality rates over the study period were not statistically significant for both men (average annual per cent change [AAPC]: -3.2% [95% CI -7.3%, 1.0%]) and women (AAPC: -1.2% [95% CI -6.5%, 4.4%]). The SMRs in people aged 20-44 years fluctuated over time, between 7.86 (95% CI 5.74, 10.5) in men and 6.10 (95% CI 3.68, 9.45) in women in 2001, and 4.95 (95% CI 3.72, 6.45) in men and 4.92 (95% CI 3.25, 7.12) in women in 2016. Absolute and relative mortality has declined overall in people with diabetes in Hong Kong, with less marked improvements in people under 45years of age, calling for urgent action to improve care in young people with diabetes.

All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Among People Using Extramedical Opioids

Extramedical opioid use has escalated in recent years. A better understanding of cause-specific mortality in this population is needed to inform comprehensive responses. To estimate all-cause and cause-specific crude mortality rates (CMRs) and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) among people using extramedical opioids, including age- and sex-specific estimates when possible. For this systematic review and meta-analysis, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase were searched for studies published from January 1, 2009, to October 3, 2019, and an earlier systematic review on this topic published in 2011. Cohort studies of people using extramedical opioids and reporting mortality outcomes were screened for inclusion independently by 2 team members. Data were extracted by a team member and checked by another team member. Study quality was assessed using a custom set of items that examined risk of bias and quality of reporting. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis models. Heterogeneity was assessed using stratified meta-analyses and meta-regression. Outcome measures were all-cause and cause-specific CMRs and SMRs among people using extramedical opioids compared with the general population of the same age and sex. Of 8683 identified studies, 124 were included in this analysis (100 primary studies and 24 studies providing additional data for primary studies). The pooled all-cause CMR, based on 99 cohorts of 1 262 592 people, was 1.6 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 1.4-1.8 per 100 person-years), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 99.7%). Heterogeneity was associated with the proportion of the study sample that injected opioids or was living with HIV infection or hepatitis C. The pooled all-cause SMR, based on 43 cohorts, was 10.0 (95% CI, 7.6-13.2). Excess mortality was observed across a range of causes, including overdose, injuries, and infectious and noncommunicable diseases. The findings suggest that people using extramedical opioids experience significant excess mortality, much of which is preventable. The range of causes for which excess mortality was observed highlights the multiplicity of risk exposures experienced by this population and the need for comprehensive responses to address these. Better data on cause-specific mortality in this population in several world regions appear to be needed.