NR ARGV
AU Elsaadany,S.; Semenciw,R.; Ricketts,M.N.; Mao,Y.; Giulivi,A.
TI Epidemiological study of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease death certificates in Canada, 1979-2001
QU Neuroepidemiology 2005; 24(1-2): 15-21
PT journal article
AB INTRODUCTION: A descriptive epidemiological analysis to update trends of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) deaths, from 1979-2001, was undertaken. METHODS: Cases with CJD as underlying cause were extracted. Age-adjusted death rates by age, sex, and province were calculated. Information on birthplace, autopsy indications and type of work were examined for death certificates from 1979 to 1997. RESULTS: 462 cases were identified between 1979 and 1997. The average annual age-standardized mortality rate was 0.93 deaths per million persons during this period and 1.03 for 1998-2001. Persons 60 years or older demonstrated the highest average annual mortality rate. Rates were slightly higher among males and increased with age. Persons born in Canada accounted for 72% of deaths. Cause of death was verified by autopsy for 9.1% of patients while 21% of deaths indicated that additional information relating to underlying cause was expected. The service industry occupation represented the largest mortality (Quebec does not capture these data). CONCLUSIONS: Canadian rates are consistent with those of the United States and slightly higher than those of certain European countries. Approximately 44% of CJD cases had an autopsy record, though many were incomplete. We are unable to determine a relation with occupation. We recommend annual analysis of CJD death registrations for updated surveillance of trends, as mortality data are an efficient tool for monitoring incidence.
MH Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Canada/epidemiology; Cause of Death; Child; Child, Preschool; Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome/*epidemiology/mortality; Death Certificates; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Geography; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Occupations; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors
AD Statistics and Risk Assessment Section, Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Population and Public Health Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada. susie_elsaadany@hc-sc.gc.ca
SP englisch
PO Schweiz