Publication:

Mortality associated with chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis: a retrospective study

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of mortality; however, its relation with liver cirrhosis remains underexplored. Identifying high-risk populations and developing targeted public health initiatives requires an understanding of this association.

Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted using the CDC MCD data to assess mortality trends among United States individuals aged 25 years and older between 1999 and 2020. Stratified by age, sex, race, geographical location, and place of death, the study analysed deaths with hepatitis C (ICD-10 code: B18.2) as the primary cause and liver cirrhosis (ICD-10 code: K74) as a contributing factor. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and annual percentage changes (APC) were calculated.

Results The study period recorded 49,707 deaths. The AAMR declined from 1999 to 2003 (-16.44% APC), followed by an increase from 2003 to 2006 (+163.28%), and significantly decreased from 2006 to 2020 (-5.10%). Mortality was highest among males (64%), white individuals (81.7%), and metropolitan residents (84.9%). Temporal trend analysis revealed a steady decline in overall mortality rates in recent years, with significant variations across demographic and geographic groups.

Conclusions The mortality trends in hepatitis C with liver cirrhosis have shifted from 1999 to 2020, with notable racial, regional, and gender disparities. This emphasizes the need for targeted prevention interventions and enhanced healthcare access.