[Validation of causes of death by age].
In Norway the percentage of autopsies has gradually decreased during the 1986 to 1994 period. As a consequence, the Cause of Death Registry has to rely to a greater extent on physicians' certificates only. The overall percent of autopsies was reduced from 13.8% in 1986 to 9.1% in 1994 (Haukeland Hospital, Bergen, not included). The frequency decreased with age, was lowest in women, and differed according to cause of death. In the examined age groups of 0 year, 1-59 years and 60 years and above the percentage changes were as follows in women: 69.9% to 48.9%, 35.8% to 27.2%; 11.5% to 5.7%. In men the changes were: 72.2% to 54.7%; 44.5% to 39.2%; 15.1% to 8.65%. Deaths due to cancer, congenital disorders and perinatal deaths were all validated if possible. About 40% of deaths due to accidents, poisoning and violence were validated. Myocardial infarctions were autopsied more frequently than stroke. The extent of validation of cause of death during this period is discussed.
Håheim
L L
LL
Livsforsikringsselskapenes Medisinsk-Statistiske Institutt, Ullevål sykehus, Oslo.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001344:Autopsy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002423:Cause of Death; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003644:Death Certificates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D012042:Registries; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012744:Sex Ratio