Mortality Trends in Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis in São Paulo, Brazil (1985-2007)
Author Information
Author(s): Santo Augusto H, Souza José Maria P, Pinheiro Celso E, Souza Deborah CC, Sato Emilia I
Primary Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
Hypothesis
What are the trends in mortality related to dermatomyositis and polymyositis in São Paulo, Brazil, between 1985 and 2007?
Conclusion
Dermatomyositis and polymyositis were often underestimated as causes of death, with a significant number of deaths occurring in women and older individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- 318 deaths were related to dermatomyositis and 316 to polymyositis.
- 55.2% of deaths listed DM/PM as the underlying cause.
- Mortality rates for polymyositis as an underlying cause decreased significantly over the study period.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people died from two rare diseases, dermatomyositis and polymyositis, over 23 years in Brazil, finding that many deaths were not counted correctly.
Methodology
Mortality data were analyzed from death certificates listing dermatomyositis or polymyositis, using statistical tests including chi-square and linear regression.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in mortality statistics due to misclassification of causes of death.
Limitations
The study may not capture all deaths related to dermatomyositis and polymyositis due to underreporting on death certificates.
Participant Demographics
The majority of deaths were among women (71.5%) and individuals over 45 years of age.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0003
Confidence Interval
± 95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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