S3028 Rising Mortality Trends From Vascular Disorders of the Intestine Among Middle-Aged Adults in the United States: A CDC WONDER Database-Based Study

Introduction: Vascular disorders of the intestine (VDI), once primarily common in the elderly, are now increasingly affecting adults due to the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and substance abuse in this population. This study aimed to analyze mortality trends among middle-aged U.S. residents from 1999 to 2023, stratified by sex, race, and census region, using national mortality datasets for VDI. Methods: Mortality data for VDI between 1999 and 2023 were extracted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WONDER Database. The multiple causes of death file was queried using International Classification of Diseases-10 code K55, and middle-aged adults were defined as individuals aged 35 to 54 years. Trends in age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) per 100,000 people were assessed for sex, race, and census region. Disparities by sex and census region were assessed from 1999 to 2023, while racial disparities were analyzed from 1999 to 2020. Results were expressed as numbers, annual percentage changes (APC), average annual percentage changes (AAPC), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The data was exported to Microsoft Excel Office and analyzed on Joint Point Regression Program (version 5.0; National Cancer Institute). Results: Among males, AAMR for VDI remained relatively stable between 1999 and 2017, with no statistically significant increase. However, a sharp and significant rise (+4.97) was observed after 2017. In contrast, females exhibited a declining AAMR trend from 1999 to 2006, followed by a sustained increase (+1.72) beginning in 2007. While AAMR among non-Hispanic Black or African American individuals showed a continuous decline, non-Hispanic White individuals experienced a persistent increase from 1999 to 2020. This increase was gradual (+0.48) until 2018, after which a marked acceleration (+11.75) was observed. The South region exhibited a significant decline in AAMR from 1999 to 2009 (-1.94) followed by an increase (+1.97), while the West remained stable until 2018 before rising sharply (+7.76). AAMR in the Northeast and Midwest showed a gradual increase from 1999 to 2023, though the rise was statistically significant only in the Midwest. Conclusion: AAMR for VDI has risen significantly in males, non-Hispanic White individuals, and certain regions such as the South and West in recent years. These trends highlight the need for early recognition, risk stratification, and targeted prevention efforts. Future research should focus on modifiable risk factors and region-specific interventions.