C55-01 Trends in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome-related Mortality Among Patients With Pneumonia in the United States: A CDC Wonder Analysis (1999-2023)

Abstract Introduction Pneumonia and ARDS commonly occur together, as severe lung infection provokes intense inflammation and alveolar injury that compromises respiratory function. Their coexistence substantially worsens patient outcomes and elevates mortality, underscoring the importance of comprehensive evaluation and management of these interrelated conditions. This study aims to examine national, demographic, and geographic trends in mortality associated with pneumonia and ARDS in the United States from 1999 to 2023. Methods Mortality data were obtained from the CDC WONDER database for the years 1999 to 2023. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for pneumonia (ICD-10 code: J18.9) and ARDS (ICD-10 code: J80) were analyzed among adults aged ≥25 years in the United States per 100,000 population. Data were stratified by year, gender, race, age, and geographic regions. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) to evaluate long-term national mortality trends. Results Between 1999 and 2023, there were a total of 135,830 deaths related to pneumonia and ARDS. The overall AAMR decreased from 1.99 (95% CI, 1.92-2.06) in 1999 to 1.45 (95% CI, 1.40-1.49) in 2023, with an average annual decrease of -1.53%. Males had higher mortality rates than females (AAMR males: 2.85 vs. females: 1.87). When stratified by age, the highest mortality was noted in the 85+ year age group (11.35). Among racial groups, the Hispanics (3.36) had the highest AAMR, followed by Blacks (3.08), Asians or Pacific Islanders (2.18), and finally non-Hispanic Whites (2.02). Regionally, the Western region exhibited the highest AAMR (2.58), followed by the Southern region (2.48), Northeastern region (2.12), and finally the Midwestern region (1.95). Non-metropolitan areas exceeded metropolitan areas (2.03 vs. 1.74). Similarly, the highest AAMRs were observed in Nevada (24.54) and the lowest in Vermont (1.28). Conclusion This study demonstrates a change in age-adjusted mortality rates among patients with pneumonia and ARDS between 1999 and 2023. Mortality rates were disproportionately higher among males and Hispanic individuals, with significant regional variation observed, particularly in the Western and Southern regions. The majority of all recorded deaths occurred in individuals aged 85 years and older. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved prevention and management, alongside continued research to clarify the genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental drivers of racial, ethnic, and regional mortality disparities, to guide more targeted and equitable interventions. This abstract is funded by: None