B25-04 Trends in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)-Related Mortality in the United States: A CDC WONDER Analysis (1999-2023)

Abstract Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) often coexist, as chronic airway inflammation in COPD predisposes patients to severe alveolar injury. Their coexistence significantly worsens outcomes and increases mortality, highlighting the need for combined investigation. This study aims to examine national, demographic, and geographic trends in mortality associated with COPD 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 COPD (ICD-10 code: J44) 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 24,211 deaths related to COPD and ARDS. The overall AAMR decreased from 0.52 (95% CI, 0.49-0.55) in 1999 to 0.35 (95% CI, 1.21-1.30) in 2023, with an average annual increase of 2.92%. Males had higher mortality rates than females (AAMR males: 0.52 vs. females: 0.33). When stratified by age, the highest mortality was noted in the 75-84 year age group (1.85). Among racial groups, the non-Hispanic Whites (0.44) had the highest AAMR, followed by Blacks (0.38) and Hispanics (0.30). Regionally, the Southern region exhibited the highest AAMR (0.46), followed by the Midwestern region (0.41), Western region (0.41), and finally the Northeastern region (0.32). Non-metropolitan areas exceeded metropolitan areas (0.53 vs. 0.35). Similarly, the highest AAMRs were observed in the District of Columbia (0.91) and the lowest in Virginia (0.21). Conclusion This study demonstrates a marked increase in age-adjusted mortality rates among patients with COPD and ARDS between 1999 and 2023. Mortality rates were disproportionately higher among males and non-Hispanic White individuals, with significant regional variation observed, particularly in the Southern and Midwestern regions. The majority of all recorded deaths occurred in individuals aged between 75-84 years. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved prevention and management, alongside continued research to clarify genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental drivers of racial, ethnic, and regional mortality disparities, guiding more targeted and equitable interventions. This abstract is funded by: None