Mortalidad por enfermedad de Parkinson en Chile / Parkinson disease mortality rates in Chile

ABSTRACT

Background: Parkinson disease (PD) is the second more common neurodegene-rative disorder and determines a loss in quality oflife, caregiver burden and increased mortality in those affected. Aim: To determine the rates of mortality due to Parkinson disease in Chile. Material andMethods: Data were collected from death certificates between 1997 and 2008. Mortality rates were calculated and the mortality trend was established along the study period, and analyzed by age, sex and geographic región of Chile. Results: There was a steady increase in mortality over the years, particularly since2001 (r²= 0.85, p < 0.01). The increase in mortality rates was 0.25per 100.000 habitants/year (r²: 0.89, p < 0.01). Mortality was always higher in men and in those older than 80years. The highest rate (per 100,000 habitants) in Chile was observed in the región of Valparaíso (2.4) while the lowest was in Antofagasta (0.8) (t = 3.72, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Mortality associated with PD has increased progressively, consistent with the expected increase in prevalence ofthe disease in the population.