Abstract

LIZARZABAL DE BELLOSO, Maribel. La gastroenterología en Venezuela durante el primer quinquenio del siglo XXI (I) causas hepato-biliares: Consideraciones sobre mortalidad. Gen [online]. 2007, vol.61, n.1, pp.35-40. ISSN 0016-3503.

Mortality profiles state priorities in health care with emphasis in disease prevention. Mortality Year Books are published in Venezuela by the regional Epidemiology Bureau/DVE/DEAE/MDS, based in death certificates which follow international guidelines from CIE-10 (World Health Organization). Although statistics are of public knowledge, we considered important in this study to extract the data related to hepatobiliary diseases during the first five years of the new century. RESULTS: According with official data, a mean of 3.621 Venezuelans died, each year, from hepatobiliary pathology (3.2% of the total registered annual deaths) There are many regional variation of this pathology. Trujillo has the highest mortality rate from liver diseases (3%), followed by Vargas, Distrito Federal and Táchira. Mortality from fibrosis and cirrhosis is higher in Tachira (2.35%), Trujillo and Vargas (2,1%), Aragua and Nueva Esparta (2%)Mortality from hepatobiliary diseases in Zulia, Portuguesa, Cojedes, Guárico, Delta Amacuro, Bolívar, Apure y Amazonas, are not reported among the first 10 causes of death. Mortality profiles lead priorities in disease prevention. CIE-10 is for international purposes and incomplete data brings international consequences. As medical doctors, and as gastroenterologists, we have to know the official terms in order to be accurate. At the time, we have to design a strategic plan to spread its terms and to colaborate with data registration.

Keywords : Mortality; hepatobiliary; mortality in Venezuela; official register.