C28-21 Trends in Pulmonary Embolism-related Mortality Among Patients With Pneumonia in the United States: A CDC Wonder Analysis (1999-2023)

Abstract Rationale Pneumonia and pulmonary embolism (PE) frequently coexist, as pulmonary inflammation and infection heighten the risk of thrombosis and compromise circulation. Comprehensive investigation of these interconnected conditions is vital, as their coexistence markedly worsens clinical outcomes and elevates mortality. This study aims to examine national, demographic and geographic trends in mortality associated with pneumonia and pulmonary embolism in the United States from 1999 to 2023. Methods Mortality data were obtained from the CDC WONDER database for the years 1999 to 2023. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for pneumonia (ICD-10 code: J18.9) and pulmonary embolism (ICD-10 code: I26) were analyzed among adults aged ≥25 years in the United States per 100,000 population. Data were stratified by year, gender, race, age and geographic regions. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) to evaluate long-term national mortality trends. Results Between 1999 and 2023, there were a total of 59,839 deaths related to pneumonia and pulmonary embolism. The overall AAMR increased from 0.81 (95% CI, 0.77-0.85) in 1999 to 1.21 (95% CI, 1.21-1.30) in 2023, with an average annual increase of 1.16%. Males had higher mortality rates than females (AAMR males: 1.26 vs. females: 0.88). When stratified by age, highest mortality was noted in the 85+ year age group (10.07). Among racial groups, the non-Hispanic Blacks (1.51) had the highest AAMR, followed by Whites (1.04) and finally Hispanics (0.79). Regionally, the Southern region exhibited the highest AAMR (1.14), followed by the Midwestern region (1.11), Western region (1.09) and finally the Northeastern region (0.84). Non-metropolitan areas exceeded metropolitan areas (1.08 vs. 0.85). Similarly, the highest AAMRs were observed in West Virginia (2.78) and lowest in Maine (0.60). Conclusion This study demonstrates a marked increase in age-adjusted mortality rates among patients with pneumonia and pulmonary embolism between 1999 and 2023. Mortality rates were disproportionately higher among males and non-Hispanic Black individuals, with significant regional variation observed, particularly in the Southern and Midwestern regions. The majority of all recorded deaths occurred in individuals aged 85 years and older. These findings highlight the urgent need for improved prevention and management, alongside continued research to clarify genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental drivers of racial, ethnic, and regional mortality disparities, guiding more targeted and equitable interventions. This abstract is funded by: None