Objectives: To estimate the mortality rate of hepatitis C (HepC) in Upstate New York (New York State exclusive of New York City) in 1997 and assess the quality of HepC mortality information on the hospital discharge database and vital statistical death file. Methods: Capture-recapture method was used to estimate the number of deaths from HepC using the 1997 hospital discharge database and vital statistical death file. The validity of HepC coding on hospital discharge records was evaluated by reviewing medical records with codes for HepC or other liver diseases (e.g., unspecified cirrhosis of liver) among persons dying in hospital in 1997. Results: The estimated number of deaths from HepC was 491, yielding a mortality rate of 4.5/100,000 population (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.3/100,000-5.8/100,000) in Upstate New York. The estimated mortality rates of HepC for males and females were 6.2/100,000 population (95%CI, 4.1/100,000-8.3/100,000) and 3.0/100,000 population (95%CI, 1.6/100,000-4.3/100,000), respectively. HepC accounted for 0.4% and 0.2% of total deaths for males and females, respectively. The estimated completeness of registration of deaths from HepC on hospital discharge records and vital statistical death records were 32.2% and 17.7%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of HepC coding on hospital discharge records was 66.3% and 99.5%, respectively. Positive predicative value was 98.2%. Conclusions: HepC is an important cause of death. Neither hospital discharge database nor vital statistical death file is complete for HepC related deaths. However, capture-recapture method using these two data sources can provide an improved estimate of the number of deaths from HepC.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Gain an understanding of an improved estimate of mortality rate of hepatitis C. 2. Describe the quality of hepatitis C mortality information on hospital discharge database and vital statistical death file
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Mortality
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.