Trends and disparities in liver cell carcinoma and hepatic failure–related mortality in the US: A retrospective analysis.

Abstract

e23101 Background: Liver cell carcinoma (LCC) and hepatic failure (HF) are major contributors to global adult mortality. Identifying trends and disparities in LCC and HF-related deaths is critical for addressing public health challenges and guiding prevention strategies. This study examines national trends in LCC and HF-related mortality from 1999 to 2023, with an emphasis on demographic, geographic, and temporal disparities in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs). Methods: Using the CDC WONDER database (1999–2023), this descriptive study identified deaths attributed to LCC (ICD-10 code C22.0) and HF (ICD-10 code K72.9) among adults aged 25 and older. Mortality data were stratified by gender, race/ethnicity, census region, urban-rural classification, and state. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 1,000,000 individuals were calculated, and trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to determine annual percent changes (APCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, and the study followed STROBE guidelines. Results: From 1999 to 2023, there were 22,963 deaths attributed to LCC and HF (Men: 17,822; Women: 5,141). Overall, AAMRs declined from 1999 to 2007 (APC: -2.4), stabilized between 2007 and 2017 (APC: 0.2), and declined again from 2017 to 2023 (APC: -3.5). Men experienced a steady AAMR decline from 1999 to 2010 (APC: -2.1), followed by stabilization (2010–2017, APC: 0.7), and further decline (2017–2023, APC: -4.4). Women showed a sharp AAMR decrease from 1999 to 2006 (APC: -3.8) and a relatively stable trend thereafter (APC: -0.1). Non-Hispanic Blacks people experienced an overall AAMR decline from 1999 to 2020 (APC: -0.9). Among Non-Hispanic Whites people, AAMRs decreased initially (1999–2006, APC: -2.6), rose slightly (2006–2018, APC: 0.5), and declined further (2018–2020, APC: -7.3). Regional AAMRs varied, with the West having the highest overall AAMR (5.6; 95% CI: 5.4–5.7) and the Midwest the lowest (3.2; 95% CI: 3.1–3.3). Hawaii reported the highest state AAMR (10.3; 95% CI: 8.9–11.6), while Arkansas had the lowest (2.4; 95% CI: 2.0–2.9). Urban-rural disparities revealed a sharper AAMR decline in metropolitan areas (1999–2005, APC: -3.9) and the non-metropolitan areas showed a slight increase (1999–2020, APC: 1.3). Conclusions: LCC and HF-related mortality rates have shown significant declines over the past two decades, with variations across gender, race, and geographic locations. Men and urban populations experienced steeper reductions in AAMRs, while rural populations exhibited slower improvements or slight increases in mortality. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to address disparities and further reduce LCC and HF-related mortality in vulnerable populations.