scholarly journals The Role of COVID-19 in the Death of SARS-CoV-2–Positive Patients: A Study Based on Death Certificates

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Grippo ◽  
Simone Navarra ◽  
Chiara Orsi ◽  
Valerio Manno ◽  
Enrico Grande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Hypertensive Heart Disease ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Death Certificates ◽  
Respiratory Complications ◽  
Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Underlying Cause Of Death ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Low Prevalence

Background: Death certificates are considered the most reliable source of information to compare cause-specific mortality across countries. The aim of the present study was to examine death certificates of persons who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to (a) quantify the number of deaths directly caused by coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19); (b) estimate the most common complications leading to death; and (c) identify the most common comorbidities. Methods: Death certificates of persons who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 provided to the National Surveillance system were coded according to the 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases. Deaths due to COVID-19 were defined as those in which COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death. Complications were defined as those conditions reported as originating from COVID-19, and comorbidities were conditions independent of COVID-19. Results: A total of 5311 death certificates of persons dying in March through May 2020 were analysed (16.7% of total deaths). COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death in 88% of cases. Pneumonia and respiratory failure were the most common complications, being identified in 78% and 54% of certificates, respectively. Other complications, including shock, respiratory distress and pulmonary oedema, and heart complications demonstrated a low prevalence, but they were more commonly observed in the 30–59 years age group. Comorbidities were reported in 72% of certificates, with little variation by age and gender. The most common comorbidities were hypertensive heart disease, diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, and neoplasms. Neoplasms and obesity were the main comorbidities among younger people. Discussion: In most persons dying after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 was the cause directly leading to death. In a large proportion of death certificates, no comorbidities were reported, suggesting that this condition can be fatal in healthy persons. Respiratory complications were common, but non-respiratory complications were also observed.

Abstract P096: Trends in Heart Disease Mortality Among Mississippi Adults Over a Three Decade Period, 1980 Through 2013

Circulation ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 133 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent L. Mendy ◽  
Rodolfo Vargas ◽  
Lamees El-sadek ◽  
Abigail Gamble
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Vital Statistics ◽  
Annual Percent Change ◽  
Percent Change ◽  
Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Underlying Cause Of Death

Background: Heart disease (HD) mortality has declined in Mississippi over recent decades however it remains as the leading cause of death among Mississippians. Trends in Mississippi HD mortality have not been thoroughly explored. This study examined trends in HD mortality from 1980 through 2013 among Mississippi adults (≥ 25 years) and further assessed trends by race and sex. Methods and Results: Data from Mississippi Vital Statistics (1980 through 2013) were used to calculate age-specific HD mortality rates for Mississippi adults. Cases were identified using underlying cause of death codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), including I00-I09, I11, I13, and I20-I51. Joinpoint software was used to calculate the average annual percent change in HD mortality rates for the overall population and by race, sex, and race and sex. Overall, the age-adjusted HD mortality rates among Mississippi adults decreased by 36.5% between 1980 and 2013 with an average annual percent change of -1.60% (95% CI -2.0 to -1.3). During this period, HD mortality rates decreased annually on average by -1.30% (95% CI -1.98 to -0.69) for black adults; by -1.60% (95% CI -1.74 to -1.46) for white adults; by -1.30% (95% CI -1.5 to -1.1) for all females, and by -1.90% (95% -2.2 to -1.5) for all males. Conclusions: Between 1980 and 2013 a continual decrease in HD mortality among Mississippi adults was observed. Disparities in the magnitude of the decrease in HD mortality existed by race and sex.

scholarly journals Evolution of Pathology Patterns in Persons Who Died From COVID-19 in Italy: A National Study Based on Death Certificates

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Grippo ◽  
Enrico Grande ◽  
Alice Maraschini ◽  
Simone Navarra ◽  
Marilena Pappagallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Hypertensive Heart Disease ◽  
National Study ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Death Certificates ◽  
Epidemic Curve ◽  
Underlying Cause Of Death ◽  
Serious Disease

Background: In Italy, during the first epidemic wave of 2020, the peak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality was reached at the end of March. Afterward, a progressive reduction was observed until much lower figures were reached during the summer, resulting from the contained circulation of SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to determine if and how the pathological patterns of the individuals deceased from COVID-19 changed during the phases of epidemic waves in terms of: (i) main cause of death, (ii) comorbidities, and (iii) complications related to death.Methods: Death certificates of persons who died and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, provided by the National Surveillance system, were coded according to ICD rev10. Deaths due to COVID-19 were defined as those in which COVID-19 was the underlying cause of death.Results: The percentage of COVID-19 deaths varied over time. It decreased in the downward phase of the epidemic curve (76.6 vs. 88.7%). In February–April 2020, hypertensive heart disease was mentioned as a comorbidity in 18.5% of death certificates, followed by diabetes (15.9% of cases), ischemic heart disease (13.1%), and neoplasms (12.1%). In May–September, the most frequent comorbidity was neoplasms (17.3% of cases), followed by hypertensive heart disease (14.9%), diabetes (14.8%), and dementia/Alzheimer's disease (11.9%). The most mentioned complications in both periods were pneumonia and respiratory failure with a frequency far higher than any other condition (78.4% in February–April 2020 and 63.7% in May–September 2020).Discussion: The age of patients dying from COVID-19 and their disease burden increased in the May–September 2020 period. A more serious disease burden was observed in this period, with a significantly higher frequency of chronic pathologies. Our study suggests better control of the virus' lethality in the second phase of the epidemic, when the health system was less burdened. Moreover, COVID-19 care protocols had been created in hospitals, and knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 had improved, potentially leading to more accurate diagnosis and better treatment. All these factors may have improved survival in patients with COVID-19 and led to a shift in mortality to older, more vulnerable, and complex patients.

Accuraatheid van de door de Vlaamse overheid gepubliceerde statistiek van de doodsoorzaken: een forensische benadering

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. CHRISTIAENS ◽  
W. VAN DEN BOGAERT ◽  
J. WUESTENBERGS ◽  
W. VAN DE VOORDE
Keyword(s):  
Cause Of Death ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Forensic Sciences ◽  
Death Certificates ◽  
Undetermined Intent ◽  
Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
The Government ◽  
The University ◽  
Government Statistics

A study into the accuracy of the published cause of death statistics by the government of Flanders, Belgium The cause of death (COD) stated on death certificates is the key component to compose COD statistics in Belgium. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether CODs of homicides as confirmed by autopsy by the Department of Forensic Sciences (DoFS) at the University of Leuven were reported as such in government statistics. Out of 455 autopsies performed by the DoFS between 01/01/2010 and 31/12/2013, 64 medicolegal homicides were retained, which in turn were cross-referenced with a provided list of all deaths in the same period by the government. Applying the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision) methodology to the study population, 97% of the attained codes fell under the section ‘Assault’. This concerned only 78% when coded by the government. The remaining were located under the less specific section ‘Event of undetermined intent’. One homicide was coded by the government as a death by natural causes and one death was not accounted for. Specific training for physicians on correctly filling out death certificates, a more user-friendly certificate and systematic feedback of autopsy findings to government agencies are proposed in order to increase the accuracy of COD statistics.

scholarly journals Validity of death certificates for coding coronary heart disease as the cause of death in Bahrain

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 661-669
Author(s):  
R. Al Mahroos
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Death Certificate ◽  
Death Certificates ◽  
Hospital Records ◽  
Mortality Statistics ◽  
National Mortality ◽  
Underlying Cause Of Death

This study aimed to examine the accuracy of death certificates for coding coronary heart disease [CHD] as the underlying cause of death in Bahrain. Of the 1714 deaths occurring in Bahrain in 1993, 371 were classified as resulting from CHD. In this study the hospital diagnosis of 109 deaths [52 as CHD and 57 as other causes]were reviewed and re-diagnosed using hospital records. The coding of 459 death certificates [151 as CHD and 308 as other causes]by the Directorate of Public Health was similarly reviewed. The sensitivity and specificity of the hospital diagnosis were 76% and 72% respectively and those of the Directorate of Public Health were 85% and 89% respectively. National mortality statistics in Bahrain, which are based on death certificate data, may overestimate the frequency of CHD. Therefore, it is important that measures are taken to improve the accuracy of certification

scholarly journals Sarcoidosis-related mortality in France: a multiple-cause-of-death analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 1700-1709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvan Jamilloux ◽  
Delphine Maucort-Boulch ◽  
Sébastien Kerever ◽  
Mathieu Gerfaud-Valentin ◽  
Christiane Broussolle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Causes Of Death ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Death Certificates ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Underlying Cause Of Death ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Related Mortality

We evaluated mortality rates and underlying causes of death among French decedents with sarcoidosis from 2002 to 2011.We used data from the French Epidemiological Centre for the Medical Causes of Death to 1) calculate sarcoidosis-related mortality rates, 2) examine differences by age and gender, 3) determine underlying and nonunderlying causes of death, 4) compare with the general population (observed/expected ratios), and 5) analyse regional differences.1662 death certificates mentioning sarcoidosis were recorded. The age-standardised mortality rate was 3.6 per million population and significantly increased over the study period. The mean age at death was 70.4 years (versus 76.2 years for the general population). The most common underlying cause of death was sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis decedents were more likely to be males when aged <65 years. When sarcoidosis was the underlying cause of death, the main other mentions on death certificates were chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The overall observed/expected ratio was >1 for infectious disease, tuberculosis and chronic respiratory disease, and <1 for neoplasms. We observed a north–south gradient of age-standardised mortality ratio at the country level.Despite the limitation of possibly capturing the more severe cases of sarcoidosis, this study may help define and prioritise preventive interventions.

scholarly journals Animal-Encounter Fatalities, United States, 1999-2016: Cause of Death and Misreporting

2020 ◽  
Vol 135 (6) ◽  
pp. 831-841
Author(s):  
Marilyn Goss Haskell ◽  
Ricky Lee Langley
Keyword(s):  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Causal Chain ◽  
Online Data ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Ongoing Training ◽  
Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Underlying Cause Of Death

Objectives Errors and misreporting on death certificates are common, along with potential inaccuracies in cause-of-death coding. We characterized and compared fatalities by animal-encounter mentions reported as underlying cause of death (UCD) with animal-encounter mentions reported as multiple cause of death (MCD) to determine factors associated with misreporting UCD. Methods We analyzed fatality data from 1999-2016 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research by UCD and MCD animal-encounter mentions ( International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes W53-59, X20-27 and X29, T63.0-63.6, T63.8-63.9, and T78.2-78.4). We examined differences in reporting by age, sex, race, autopsy (yes, no, unknown), allergic reactions, and toxicities. Results The number of animal-encounter mentions by UCD was 3638 (202 average per year) and by MCD was 4280 (238 average per year), a difference of 18% (n = 642; 36 average per year) by MCD analysis. The number of nonvenomous animal-encounter mentions increased 20% (from 2138 UCD to 2567 MCD), and the number of venomous animal-encounter mentions increased 14% (from 1500 UCD to 1713 MCD). Decedents aged ≥65 had the highest additional number of animal-encounter mentions among all age groups, primarily encounters with other reptiles (n = 113), other mammals (n = 71), and dogs (n = 42). Of 642 MCD additional animal-encounter mentions, heart disease (n = 211, 33%) and infections (n = 146, 23%) represented more than half of the UCD. Of 553 dog-encounter fatalities, 165 (30%) were among children aged ≤4. Conclusions Animal-encounter fatalities, analyzed by UCD alone, may be underreported. An initiating animal injury, complicated by comorbidities and fatality, may obscure the causal chain, resulting in misreporting UCD. Ongoing training for medical certifiers is recommended, highlighting accurate identification of UCD and contributing causes in the causal chain of death.

scholarly journals Comparative evaluation of underlying causes of death processed by the Automated Classification of Medical Entities and the Underlying Cause of Death Selection Systems

1998 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Augusto H. Santo ◽  
Celso E. Pinheiro ◽  
Eliana M. Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Comparative Evaluation ◽  
Causes Of Death ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
International Classification ◽  
Automated Classification ◽  
Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Underlying Cause Of Death

INTRODUCTION: The correct identification of the underlying cause of death and its precise assignment to a code from the International Classification of Diseases are important issues to achieve accurate and universally comparable mortality statistics These factors, among other ones, led to the development of computer software programs in order to automatically identify the underlying cause of death. OBJECTIVE: This work was conceived to compare the underlying causes of death processed respectively by the Automated Classification of Medical Entities (ACME) and the "Sistema de Seleção de Causa Básica de Morte" (SCB) programs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The comparative evaluation of the underlying causes of death processed respectively by ACME and SCB systems was performed using the input data file for the ACME system that included deaths which occurred in the State of S. Paulo from June to December 1993, totalling 129,104 records of the corresponding death certificates. The differences between underlying causes selected by ACME and SCB systems verified in the month of June, when considered as SCB errors, were used to correct and improve SCB processing logic and its decision tables. RESULTS: The processing of the underlying causes of death by the ACME and SCB systems resulted in 3,278 differences, that were analysed and ascribed to lack of answer to dialogue boxes during processing, to deaths due to human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease for which there was no specific provision in any of the systems, to coding and/or keying errors and to actual problems. The detailed analysis of these latter disclosed that the majority of the underlying causes of death processed by the SCB system were correct and that different interpretations were given to the mortality coding rules by each system, that some particular problems could not be explained with the available documentation and that a smaller proportion of problems were identified as SCB errors. CONCLUSION: These results, disclosing a very low and insignificant number of actual problems, guarantees the use of the version of the SCB system for the Ninth Revision of the International Classification of Diseases and assures the continuity of the work which is being undertaken for the Tenth Revision version.

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