Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among critically ill patients with limited treatment options. This study analyzed long-term trends in ARDS mortality in the US, focusing on racial disparities. By examining mortality rates across racial, regional, and gender groups, the study identified demographic and geographic inequalities to inform targeted interventions. Methods: ARDS mortality data from 1999 to 2022 was obtained from the CDC WONDER database. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were stratified by sex, race, and US census region. Joinpoint regression was used to calculate annual percentage changes (APCs) and average annual percent change (AAPC). Results: The overall AAMR increased from 7.40 (1999) to a peak of 21.72 (2021) before declining to 8.49 (2022, AAPC: 2.92). American Indians had the highest AAMR, increasing from 13.8 (1999) to 18.89 (2022, AAPC: 4.37). Asians had the lowest AAMR, declining from 7.4 (1999) to 6.17 (2022). AAMRs declined from 1999 to 2017, surged from 2017 to 2020, and dropped after 2022. Regional disparities were notable among the Northeast and Midwest, with Black populations having higher mortality. Conclusion: ARDS mortality trends worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, disproportionately affecting American Indian and Black populations. Addressing these disparities requires equitable healthcare policies and further research into social determinants of health.
Authors: Nikhil Furtado, Sydney Ball, Taylor Billion, Mohsin Mirza
Institution: Creighton University
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4417041339