BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) presents a significant health burden in Asia and remains a critical challenge. This study aims to delineate the PAH burden in Asia from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: Using the latest data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021, we evaluated and analyzed the distributions and patterns of PAH disease burden among various age groups, sexes, regions, and countries in Asia. Additionally, we examined the associations between PAH disease burden and key health system indicators, including the socio-demographic index (SDI) and the universal health coverage (UHC) index. RESULTS: In 2021, there were 25,989 new PAH cases, 103,382 existing cases, 13,909 PAH-associated deaths, and 385,755 DALYs attributed to PAH in Asia, which accounted for approximately 60% of global PAH cases. The age-standardized rates (ASRs) for prevalence and deaths were 2.05 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 1.66-2.52) per 100,000 population and 0.31 (95% UI: 0.23-0.38) per 100,000 population, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, Asia reported the lowest ASRs for PAH prevalence but the highest ASRs for deaths compared to other continents. While the ASRs for prevalence increased slightly, ASRs for mortality and DALYs decreased over time. This increasing burden of PAH was primarily driven by population growth and aging. The burden was especially pronounced among individuals aged ≥60 years and <9 years, who collectively accounted for the majority of deaths and DALYs. Moreover, higher SDI and UHC levels were linked to reduced incidence, but higher prevalence rates. CONCLUSIONS Although progress has been made in reducing PAH-related mortality and DALYs, the disease continues to impose a substantial burden in Asia, particularly among older adults and young children. Region-specific health policies should focus on improving early diagnosis, expanding access to treatment, and effectively addressing the growing PAH burden in the region.
Humans ; Global Burden of Disease ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Asia/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Aged ; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/mortality* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Hypertension, Pulmonary/epidemiology*

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease (CLD), mainly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a significant public health concern worldwide. This study aims to quantify the burden of NAFLD in CLD globally and within China, using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, providing crucial insights for global and local health policies. METHODS: The study used comprehensive data from the GBD study 2021. It included estimates of prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Age-standardized rates and average annual percent change (AAPC) from 2011 to 2021 were reported. A meticulous decomposition analysis was conducted. RESULTS: In 2021, there were 1582.5 million prevalent cases, 47.6 million incident cases, 1.4 million deaths, and 44.4 million DALYs attributable to CLD, globally. Among these, NAFLD has emerged as the predominant cause, accounting for 78.0% of all prevalent CLD cases (1234.7 million) and 87.2% of incident cases (41.5 million). Correspondingly, NAFLD had the highest age-standardized prevalence (15,017.5 per 100,000 population) and incidence (876.5 per 100,000 population) rates among CLDs. In addition, China's CLD age-standardized prevalence rate was 21,659.5 per 100,000 population, and the age-standardized incidence rate was 752.6 per 100,000 population, higher than the global average. From 2011 to 2021, the global prevalence rate of CLD increased slowly (AAPC = 0.17), consistent with the trend in China (AAPC = 0.23). Furthermore, the prevalence rate of NAFLD rose significantly in China (AAPC = 1.30) compared with the global average (AAPC = 0.91). Decomposition analysis also showed the worldwide increase in deaths and DALYs for NAFLD, which were primarily attributable to population growth and aging. CONCLUSIONS The burden of CLD and NAFLD remains substantial globally and within China in terms of high prevalence and incidence. As such, this underscores the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of continued surveillance and research to mitigate the growing impact of liver diseases on global and Chinese health systems.
Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/mortality* ; Global Burden of Disease ; China/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Male ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Female ; Incidence ; Middle Aged ; Chronic Disease ; Adult ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Liver Diseases/epidemiology* ; Aged

BACKGROUND: Gout is a chronic disease primarily caused by elevated urate levels, severely affecting joint health. Its global distribution varies, and updated data for China are lacking. This study aimed to analyze the current burden and trends of gout globally and in China, examining the burden by gender, age, and risk factors while providing future predictions. METHODS: This descriptive epidemiological secondary analysis utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) 2021 study. Age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), prevalence rate (ASPR), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates (ASDR) were used to assess the gout burden. Trends from 1990 to 2021 were analyzed across global regions, genders, and sociodemographic index (SDI) levels. The burden in China was further examined by gender, age, and associated risk factors. The Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to predict future trends. Gout burden in China and the United States was compared. RESULTS: In 2021, gout affected 57 million people globally, with 9.4 million new cases and 1.75 million DALYs. From 1990 to 2021, the ASIR, ASPR, and ASDR increased by 17.2%, 21.9%, and 21.3%, respectively. Males experienced a significantly higher burden, with greater ASIR, ASPR, and ASDR increasing with higher SDI levels. In China, male ASIR, ASPR, and ASDR were over 2.8 times those of females, and the burden increased with age. In 2021, 31.4% of gout-related DALYs in China were attributed to high body mass index and 7.6% to kidney dysfunction. Between 1990 and 2021, the high body mass index-related burden of gout rose annually for both genders, while the kidney dysfunction-related gout burden remained stable. By 2050, the burden of gout in China is expected to continue increasing, with a slower rise in females and a decline in males after an initial increase. However, the overall burden will remain substantial. In comparison, the gout burden will be higher in the United States than in China. CONCLUSIONS Gout is becoming a significant health burden globally and in China, particularly among Chinese males and older individuals. With the aging population and lifestyle changes exacerbating the issue, effective strategies and measures are essential to prevent or reduce gout-related health issues.
Humans ; Gout/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Incidence ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; China/epidemiology* ; Adult ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Global Burden of Disease ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years

BACKGROUND: Urolithiasis is a widespread disease with a high prevalence worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the disease burden of urolithiasis and its trends from 1990 to 2021 globally, based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 database. METHODS: The numbers and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality of urolithiasis were extracted from GBD 2021 to represent the disease burden. Joinpoint regression analyses were conducted to assess the temporal trends in the burden of urolithiasis. The male-to-female ASR ratio indices were used to evaluate sex disparities. Additionally, we explored the relationship between the ASR ratio and the sociodemographic index (SDI). RESULTS: The total numbers of incidence, DALY, and mortality of urolithiasis were 105,983,780 cases (95% uncertainty interval [UI] = 88,349,356-128,645,155 cases), 693,444 cases (95% UI = 567,765-850,490 cases), and 17,672 cases (95% UI = 13,932-21,241 cases), respectively, in 2021. There is an increasing trend in the number of these measures globally, whereas the ASRs have decreased over the past 30 years. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) were significantly higher in males than in females in 2021. The sex disparities in the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) and ASMR of urolithiasis were negatively correlated with the SDI. In 2021, the ASIR of urolithiasis was 964.70 (95% UI = 801.26-1175.09) per 100,000 people in China, which is much lower than the global average (1242.84 [95% UI = 1034.94-1506.99] per 100,000 people). Compared with the global average, a more pronounced decline in ASIR was observed in China from 1793.16 (1446.0-2235.14) in 1990 to 964.70 (801.26-1175.09) per 100,000 people in 2021. CONCLUSIONS Urolithiasis poses a significant healthcare burden worldwide. More robust global and national strategies are warranted to address the prevention and treatment, especially in low SDI countries and regions.
Humans ; Urolithiasis/mortality* ; Male ; Female ; Incidence ; Global Burden of Disease ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Sex Factors

BACKGROUND: Asthma, one of the most widespread chronic respiratory diseases, has placed a considerable economic and social stress on China. This study examines the burden of asthma in China from 1990 to 2021 and forecasts future trends, providing guidance for establishing focused preventive and regulatory strategies. METHODS: Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Database 2021, the analysis of trends in asthma burden was conducted for China from 1990 to 2021. Key indicators such as incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were analysed. The investigation applied the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), average annual percentage change (AAPC), and age-period-cohort model (APCM) to evaluate these trends. Furthermore, predictions for incidence and mortality in 2035 were generated using the Bayesian APCM and the Nordpred model. RESULTS: In 2021, there were 25,015,668 prevalent asthma cases in China, alongside 3,934,875 new cases and 26,233 deaths. The age-standardized incidence rate and age-standardized death rate for 2021 were 364.17 (95% uncertainty interval [95% UI]: 283.22-494.1) per 100,000 population and 1.47 (95% UI: 1.15-1.79) per 100,000 population, respectively. The age-standardized rates (ASRs) for incidence were detected to be elevated in the 0-4 years age group, and the prevalence was significantly higher in the 5-9 years age group compared to other cohorts. ASR for incidence and prevalence of asthma in China were lower than that in the global average. Between 1990 and 2021, the ASR of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs demonstrated a downward trajectory, with EAPC values of -1.17, -1.57, -4.69, and -2.98, respectively. People aged 0-9 years and over 60 years experienced a disproportionately higher disease burden. Projections indicate that the ASRs for incidence will continue to rise, whereas the death will continue to decline by 2035. CONCLUSIONS Between 1990 and 2021, a general reduction in the asthma burden in China was observed. However, the burden remains particularly high among people aged 0-9 years and over 60 years, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and policies to address the ongoing challenges of asthma.
Humans ; Asthma/mortality* ; China/epidemiology* ; Global Burden of Disease ; Incidence ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Male ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Child ; Adolescent ; Female ; Prevalence ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Aged ; Young Adult ; Infant, Newborn ; Bayes Theorem

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide, including China. This study aimed to provide timely updates on stroke burden and stroke-related risk factors to help improve population-based prevention and control strategies. METHODS: Based on the Global Burden of Disease study 2021, incidence rate, prevalence rate, mortality rate, and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rate were used to estimate stroke burden trend from 1990 to 2021. RESULTS: In 2021, China had 4.1 million incident stroke cases, 26.3 million prevalent stroke cases, 2.6 million stroke related deaths, and 53.2 million stroke related DALYs, compared to 11.9 million incident stroke cases, 93.8 million prevalent stroke cases, 7.3 million stroke related deaths, and 160.5 million stroke-related DALYs worldwide. In 2021, the top six risk factors contributing to stroke burden were high blood pressure, air pollution, tobacco consumption, dietary risk factors, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high fasting plasma glucose, both in China and worldwide. From 1990 to 2021, China had significant increases of incidence rate, prevalence rate, mortality rate, and DALY rate for stroke, with estimates of 100.6 (95% uncertainty intervals [UI]: 87.2, 114.1)%, 102.9 (95% UI: 95.5, 110.9)%, 40.0 (95% UI: 14.9, 72.3)% and 15.7 (95% UI: -4.6, 41.2)%, respectively, while global incidence rate, prevalence rate, mortality rate and DALY rate for total stroke showed relatively moderate increases or even decreases, with estimates of 15.0 (95% UI: 12.1,18.0)%, 25.8 (95% UI: 23.7, 28.0)%, -2.6 (95% UI: -10.6, 5.5)%, and -10.7 (95% UI: -17.7, -3.6)%, respectively. CONCLUSION Stroke remains a huge disease burden worldwide and in China, and compared to the worldwide China has a significantly higher burden of stroke.
Humans ; Stroke/etiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Global Burden of Disease ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Prevalence ; Incidence ; Female ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Male

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and is associated with a significant Global Burden of Disease (GBD). We analyzed the trends in PD incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) burden in China, and compared them with global data. METHODS: Estimates and 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for incidence, mortality, DALYs, years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) for PD were extracted from the GBD, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021. We describe the epidemiology of PD at global and Chinese levels, analyze trends in incidence and mortality from 1990 to 2021 by joinpoint regression models, and decompose PD burden according to population size, age structure, and epidemiological changes. RESULTS: GBD 2021 estimated 508,378 (95% UI: 430,499-592,748) incident cases of PD, 92,035 (95% UI: 75,908-108,133) deaths, and 2,159,514 (95% UI: 1,826,196-2,521,344) DALYs in China, with the higher age-standardized rate (ASR) in incidence, mortality and DALYs than the global levels. The DALY burden of PD in China increased slightly from 1990 to 2021, consistent with the global upward trend. Joinpoint regression analysis indicated that the ASR of incidence in China increased faster than the global average, while the ASR of mortality decreased, with the fastest decline in 2004-2014. Decomposition analysis revealed that men and the middle sociodemographic index (SDI) quintile (32.82%) were responsible for the most significant DALYs, whose changes were primarily driven by population growth and aging. CONCLUSIONS The burden of PD showed an overall increasing trend from 1990 to 2021, which was primarily driven by population growth and aging. This study highlights the significant challenges in controlling and managing PD, including the increase in cases and gender differences, which may provide guidance for comprehensive strategies to address the changing profiles of PD in China.
Humans ; Parkinson Disease/mortality* ; China/epidemiology* ; Global Burden of Disease ; Male ; Incidence ; Female ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adult ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cost of Illness ; Adolescent ; Pattern Analysis, Machine

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a burdensome, often overlooked condition. This study aimed to investigate the global distribution and trends in the burden of infertility from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: We obtained data on the prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) related to infertility from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study and evaluated them by calculating the estimated annual percentage change in age-standardized rates. We investigated the relationship between sociodemographic index (SDI) and the burden of infertility on the global, regional, and national levels. RESULTS: In 2021, there were 143,261,562 female and 55,481,380 male infertility cases worldwide, respectively. In China, female and male infertility cases accounted for 23.59% and 21.47% of the global totals, reaching 33,795,944 and 11,909,889, respectively. Compared with 2019, the global number of female and male infertility cases increased by 5,286,227 in females and 2,017,271 in males. In contrast, China saw a decline in both female and male infertility cases, with reductions of 698,735 and 154,591, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) and age-standardized YLDs rate (ASYR) for female infertility both increased by 0.59% annually, whereas these two corresponding indicators for male infertility increased by 0.50% annually worldwide. The burden of female infertility was consistently higher than that of male infertility and demonstrated a faster rate of increase. East Asia had the highest ASPR and ASYR for female infertility, whereas Eastern Europe had the highest metrics for male infertility. A horizontal S-shaped association was observed between the SDI and ASPR and ASYR of infertility, with a rapid decline in the infertility burden when the SDI exceeded 0.7. CONCLUSIONS The global burden of infertility has increased over the years, with a higher burden on women and underdeveloped regions. These findings emphasize the need to prioritize healthcare for patients with infertility to address the rising burden.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Global Burden of Disease ; Prevalence ; Infertility/epidemiology* ; Adult ; Infertility, Male/epidemiology* ; Persons with Disabilities/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Infertility, Female/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the current status and temporal trends of the disease burden of spinal fractures in China from 1990 to 2021 based on data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021), aiming to provide evidence for developing prevention and treatment strategies. METHODS: Epidemiological data on spinal fractures in China, the United States of America (USA), and globally were extracted from the GBD 2021 database. Joinpoint regression models were applied to analyze temporal trends. Age-standardized incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates were calculated, with comparisons of gender- and age-group disparities. RESULTS: In 2021, the number of incident cases, prevalent cases, and DALYs of spinal fractures in China increased by 52.28%, 113.68%, and 106.98%, respectively, compared to 1990. The age-standardized incidence, prevalence, and DALYs rates rose by 11.80%, 16.11%, and 14.79%, respectively. The disease burden escalated significantly with age, peaking in individuals aged ≥75 years. Males exhibited higher age-standardized incidence and DALYs rates than females. Comparative analysis revealed that the age-standardized DALYs rate in China (4.19/100 000) was lower than that in globally (6.62/100 000) and USA (15.92/100 000). However, China showed an upward trend [annual average percentage change (AAPC)=0.19%], contrasting with a declining trend in the USA (AAPC=-0.08%). CONCLUSION The escalating disease burden of spinal fractures in China is closely linked to population aging, gender disparities, and insufficient targeted prevention policies. Future strategies should integrate age- and gender-specific interventions, including strengthened osteoporosis prevention, trauma risk control, and big data-driven precision measures, to mitigate this burden.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Global Burden of Disease/trends* ; Male ; Female ; Spinal Fractures/epidemiology* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Prevalence ; Incidence ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Aged, 80 and over ; United States/epidemiology* ; Cost of Illness ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Child

OBJECTIVE:  To estimate the population attributable disease burden (PAD) of low bone mineral density (LBMD) related fractures (fragility fractures) among Chinese people over 50 years old from 1990 to 2023, using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 (GBD 2023), and to provide evidence for prevention strategies and health resource allocation. METHODS:   Based on the GBD 2023, the LBMD summary exposure values (SEV), fracture incidence, years lived with disability (YLDs), and LBMD-related falls YLDs of Chinese people over 50 years old from 1990 to 2023 were extracted. PAD was calculated with population attributable fraction (PAF), and an entropy-weight method was applied to evaluate the contribution of individual fracture sites. Temporal trends and sex differences were examined with Joinpoint regression. RESULTS:  From 1990 to 2023, the age-standardized SEV of LBMD in people over 50 years old showed an overall decline [average annual percent change (AAPC)=-0.564%]. Age-standardized fracture incidence, fracture YLDs rate, and LBMD-related falls YLDs rate all exhibited W-shaped upward trends (AAPC=1.045%, 0.296%, and 0.724%, respectively). PAF-based estimates indicated that LBMD-attributable fracture incidence likewise increased in a "W-shaped" manner (AAPC=0.558%), whereas the corresponding YLDs rate showed an overall W-shaped decline (AAPC=-0.193%). In international comparison, China and the global average displayed broadly concordant directions of change, with greater volatility in China and a progressive narrowing of the gap after 2015. Regarding sex differences, fracture YLDs rates were consistently higher in the males, whereas the other burden indicators were higher in the females; the temporal patterns were similar in both sexes. Entropy weight method identified hip fractures as contributing most to incidence (weight 0.133), and pelvic fractures as the largest contributor to YLDs rate (weight 0.115). CONCLUSION Since 1990, the LBMD attributable fracture burden in China's older population has risen, with female and hip or pelvic fractures bearing the heaviest load. Strengthened osteoporosis screening, improved insurance coverage, and targeted health education are urgently needed to curb further increases in disease burden.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Male ; Bone Density ; Aged ; Incidence ; Osteoporotic Fractures/epidemiology* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Accidental Falls/statistics & numerical data* ; Cost of Illness ; Global Burden of Disease ; Osteoporosis/complications* ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Fractures, Bone/epidemiology*