[Epidemiological profile of liver cirrhosis in Chile 1970-1992].

BACKGROUND

Liver cirrhosis is an important public health problem in Chile.

AIM

To review the main epidemiological features of liver cirrhosis in Chile in the last 22 years.

METHODS

Review of yearbooks of mortality and causes of death of the Ministry of Health and Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas, review of hospital discharges and review of international statistics published by the World Health Organization.

RESULTS

The mortality rate of liver cirrhosis in 1992 was 17.9/100,000 inhabitants and represented 3.3% of all deaths. The risk of cirrhosis is higher among men and in people over 64 years of age. In the last decade, death rates of young adults (15-44 years old) and children decreased dramatically. Hospital discharge rates for cirrhosis have decreased from 46.7 in 1970 to 40.4 in 1992. The men/women ratio in 1991 was 2.1/1 for hospital discharges and 2.8/1 for mortality. Mortality was higher in large urban areas (Santiago, Valparaíso and Concepción). A correlation of +0.17 was found between death rates for cirrhosis and wine production per capita.

CONCLUSIONS

Cirrhosis continues to be a highly prevalent disease in Chile.