Trends in the mortality of non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage in Colombia: a 10-year analysis of a nationwide registry.

OBJECTIVE To assess trends in mortality from 1999 to 2008 resulting from non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the Colombian population. METHOD This population-based study analyzed all deaths by assuming a Poisson model. RESULTS Subarachnoid hemorrhage-related deaths showed a statistically significant increase of 1.6% per year (p<0.001). The age-standardized analysis demonstrated an increased mortality trend of 3.3% per year (p<0.001) in people older than 70 years, but a decreased mortality trend in people younger than 50. It remained stable in patients 50-69 years old. CONCLUSION The overall SAH-related mortality rate in Colombia has increased because increased mortality among the elderly has been counterbalanced by reduced mortality rates in younger age groups. These disparities may reflect epidemiologic transition, treatment inequities, or a less favorable comorbid profile.