Liver diseases in Mexico and their associated mortality trends from 2000 to 2007: A retrospective study of the nation and the federal states

Introduction Liver disease is a major health issue in Mexico Although several studies have been performed to analyze the impact of liver diseases on the Mexican population, none has compared the prevalence and impact of liver disease between states within Mexico AIM To analyze trends in mortality associated with liver diseases from 2000 to 2007 at the national and state levels Methods Data was obtained from the Ministry of Health (number of deaths) and the National Population Council (CONAPO) (population at risk) and mortality rates were analyzed using statistical software Results Mortality due to viral hepatitis, liver tumors, and cirrhosis increased over the study period Alcohol related mortality decreased but was still the main cause of liver related deaths Viral hepatitis infection occurred predominantly in the northern states and liver tumors occurred predominantly in the central region Alcohol related deaths were elevated along the Pacific shoreline and deaths associated with cirrhosis occurred mainly in the central and southern states Conclusion Incidence of liver related mortality has increased and will continue to do so in the future