%0 Journal Article
%T Trends of mortality from epilepsy in the United States, 1979-2021.
%A Liu Q
%A Zhao Q
%A Ji Q
%A Lv X
%A Huang X
%A Xu X
%A Zhan Y
%J Seizure
%V 120
%N 0
%D 2024 Jun 19
%M 38908145
%F 3.414
%R 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.06.014
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>The analysis of long-term trends of mortality from epilepsy has not been conducted, which is crucial for estimating the future burden of epilepsy. We therefore aimed to investigate the long-term trends of mortality from epilepsy in the United States from 1979 to 2021.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>The cause-of-death and demographic data were from the National Center for Health Statistics (1979-2021) and population estimates were from the US Census Bureau. We used the joinpoint regression model to analyze secular trends in the mortality of epilepsy spanning from 1979 to 2021. Age-adjusted mortality from epilepsy was assessed based on the year 2000 U.S. population data, stratified by age, sex, and race.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The age-adjusted mortality from epilepsy increased from 0.78 per 100,000 population in 1979 to 1.01 per 100,000 population in 2021, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 0.58% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.45% - 0.72%). The overall age-adjusted mortality of epilepsy had been on the rise between 2011 and 2021. The mortality rate generally increases with age. The mortality of epilepsy was higher in the Afro-American people and men. The mortality of epilepsy in both sexes declined first and then increased, with AAPC 1.02% (95% CI: 0.88%, 1.23%) in women and 0.10% (95% CI: -0.002%, 0.21%) in men. Mortality in all races including White, Afro-American people, and other races individuals fell first and then rose. The AAPC of mortality in White, other races, and Afro-American people were 0.89% (95% CI: 0.79%, 1.02%), -0.87% (95% CI: -1.84%, 0.88%), and -0.31% (95% CI: -0.48%, -0.13%), respectively.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Although the mortality rate from epilepsy has experienced a period of decline, it is worth noting that the last decade has seen a rapid increase. A comprehensive assessment of long-term trends in mortality from epilepsy holds significance for healthcare prioritization.