Trends in hospitalizations and mortality rates for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis in Mexico: Results from a Nationwide Health Registry

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis entails substantial morbidity and mortality, yet no epidemiologic evidence exists on its outcomes in Mexico. This study assessed national hospitalizations (2005-2022) and mortality (2000-2022) related to ANCA-associated vasculitis using data from the General Board of Health Information. We extracted hospital discharges and deaths classified under ICD-10 M31.3 and M31.7, computing age-standardized hospitalization (ASHR) and mortality (ASMR) rates per 100,000 persons, overall and by sex. Annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) were estimated with Joinpoint regression. We identified 2,804 hospitalizations and 599 deaths. Females accounted for 50.3% of hospitalizations, while males represented 48.7% of deaths. Although overall ASHR and ASMR AAPCs were not statistically significant, notable trends emerged. From 2010 to 2022, ASHR declined significantly (APC: -5.2%; 95% CI: -9.7, -0.5; p=0.03), whereas mortality rates remained stable from 2000 to 2022 (AAPC: +3%; 95% CI: -4.6, 11.3; p=0.45). Nevertheless, mortality increased among males (APC: +6.4%; 95% CI: 0.9, 12.2; p=0.02) and individuals over 45 years (APC: +8.6%; 95% CI: 1.7, 16.0; p=0.02) from 2008 onward. Overall, these findings indicate no major changes in national rates, but reveal a decline in hospitalizations since 2010 and a rise in mortality for specific subgroups since 2008. Targeted interventions, particularly for older adults and men, appear warranted to address this evolving disease burden. Future research should explore underlying risk factors and evaluate tailored strategies to improve clinical outcomes in ANCA-associated vasculitis across Mexico. These insights may guide policy decisions and contribute to improved patient management nationwide.