Asthma mortality in Australia in the 21st century: A case series analysis

Abstract

Objective: As previous asthma mortality studies were undertaken between 1986 and 1997, and treatments have evolved since that time, in order to direct future asthma interventions, we investigated the reasons for asthma deaths between 2005 and 2009. Design: We undertook a case series analysis by searching the National Coroners' Information System using the most recent International Classification of Diseases-10 codes J45 and J46 and the keyword 'asthma' as the underlying cause of death. Setting: Records for 283 cases aged 70 years and under were retrieved from each Australian state and territory. Coroner's findings, autopsy, toxicology and police reports were reviewed to determine: if the tea..