Trends in the mortality of vascular intestinal disorders in the USA: a CDC WONDER analysis

Objectives The principal aim of our study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the trends in vascular intestinal disorder (VID) mortality with respect to different demographic factors and identify which patient populations are at the highest risk for mortality. Secondarily, we aim to examine and discuss the underlying reasons behind disparities in mortality rates. Design Retrospective ecological study. Setting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research Multiple Causes of Death database of US residents. Participants 375 938 patients residing in the USA ≥15 years old with VID listed on their death certificate between 1999 and 2022. Interventions None. Outcome measures Age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) across the overall population and stratified by gender, race, census region and urban/rural location. Results There were 375 938 deaths overall, with 61.5% of deaths occurring in females and 38.5% in males. The overall AAMR was highest in 1999 and lowest in 2018, increasing from 2019 to 2021. American Indian and Alaska Native patients had the highest overall AAMR for the majority of the study period. In contrast, Asian or Pacific Islander individuals had the lowest overall AAMR. On average, AAMR was highest in the Midwest and lowest in the Northeast. For most of the study period, AAMR in rural areas remained higher than in urban areas. Conclusions While VID mortality has decreased overall, this study has revealed several nuances demonstrating disproportionately higher mortality among certain demographic groups and geographic areas. Efforts to improve preventative care, early diagnoses and effective interventions for these groups are necessary and would make a significant impact on the overall mortality from VID in the USA.