1.Global, regional and national burden and trends of congenital musculoskeletal and limb deformities among under-5 children from 1990 to 2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
Qinglin YANG ; Zhuanmei JIN ; Yongping WANG
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(5):807-819
Congenital musculoskeletal and limb deformities (CMLD) seriously affect the physical and mental health of patients, and pose great challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. We explored the specific situation and changes of incidence, prevalence, disability-adjusted life years rates, and mortality of CMLD in under-5 children from 1990 to 2021 in different groups, including different regions, periods, genders and socio-demographic indices (SDI), through corresponding analytical models. Overall, the global disease burden of CMLD in under-5 children has decreased from 1990 to 2021. The disease burden of CMLD in under-5 children varied significantly among different regions and countries, and there was a strong correlation between the corresponding burden of disease and the level of SDI. In addition, cross-country inequality analysis showed that while absolute inequalities in the disease burden of CMLD in under-5 children have improved, relative inequalities have worsened. It is essential to reduce the global health impact of CMLD by implementing targeted interventions to improve health care in underdeveloped areas.
Humans
;
Global Burden of Disease/trends*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Global Health/statistics & numerical data*
;
Infant
;
Male
;
Prevalence
;
Limb Deformities, Congenital/mortality*
;
Musculoskeletal Abnormalities/mortality*
;
Female
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Incidence
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Cost of Illness
;
Socioeconomic Factors
2.The Disease Burden of Asthma in China, 1990 to 2021 and Projections to 2050: Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2021.
Rui Yi ZHANG ; Miao Miao ZHANG ; Yu Chang ZHOU ; Jia Huan GUO ; Xuan Kai WANG ; Mai Geng ZHOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):529-538
OBJECTIVE:
Asthma imposes a significant global health burden. This study examines changes in the asthma-related disease burden from 1990 to 2021 and projects future burdens for 2050 under different scenarios.
METHODS:
Using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, we analyzed asthma incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. We projected the disease burden for 2050 based on current trends and hypothetical scenarios in which all risk factors are controlled. Temporal trends in age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY rates were explored using Annual Percent Change.
RESULTS:
In 2021, the age-standardized rates for asthma incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs in China were 364.17 per 100,000 (95% uncertainty interval [ UI]: 283.22-494.10), 1,956.49 per 100,000 (95% UI: 1,566.68-2,491.87), 1.47 per 100,000 (95% UI: 1.15-1.79), and 103.76 per 100,000 (95% UI: 72.50-145.46), respectively. A higher disease burden was observed among Chinese men and individuals aged 70 years or older. Compared to the current trend, a combined scenario involving improvements in environmental factors, behavioral and metabolic health, child nutrition, and vaccination resulted in a greater reduction in the disease burden caused by asthma.
CONCLUSION
Addressing modifiable risk factors is essential for further reducing the asthma-related disease burden.
Humans
;
Asthma/mortality*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Child
;
Adolescent
;
Global Burden of Disease/trends*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Young Adult
;
Infant
;
Cost of Illness
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Prevalence
;
Incidence
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Risk Factors
3.Forecast of the Burden of Lower Respiratory Infections in the Elderly Aged 70 and above in China from 1990 to 2050, GBD2021.
Miao Miao ZHANG ; Rui Yi ZHANG ; Yu Chang ZHOU ; Mai Geng ZHOU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):539-546
OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to analyze the burden of lower respiratory infections in Chinese elderly people aged 70 and above.
METHODS:
This study utilized Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 1990-2050 prediction data to analyze changes in mortality rates and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates for lower respiratory infections in the elderly population (aged 70 and above) in China from 1990 to 2050. It also discusses future trends in the burden of lower respiratory infections (LRI) in China under different scenarios.
RESULTS:
According to GBD predictions, the burden of lower respiratory infections in the elderly aged 70 years and above in China is lower than the global average. The burden has been decreasing from 1990 to 2020, but is projected to increase from 2020 to 2050. Scenario-based predictions suggest that, under scenarios involving improvements in nutrition and vaccination, the burden of lower respiratory infections in the elderly in China is expected to be the lowest in 2050.
CONCLUSION
This study indicates that the burden of lower respiratory infections in elderly people aged 70 years and above in China remains a significant public health issue and may worsen. The government should consider strengthening the preventive measures and management strategies for respiratory infections in the elderly population.
Humans
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Aged
;
Respiratory Tract Infections/mortality*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Male
;
Female
;
Forecasting
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Global Burden of Disease
;
Cost of Illness
4.Disease Burden and Trends of COPD in the Asia-Pacific Region (1990-2019) and Predictions to 2034.
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):557-570
OBJECTIVE:
The Asia-Pacific region has a high chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) burden, but studies on its trends are limited. Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data, we analyzed COPD trends in 36 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019 and predicted future incidence trends through 2034.
METHODS:
COPD data by age and sex from the GBD 2019 database were analyzed for incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates from 1990 to 2019. Joinpoint regression identified significant annual trends, and age-standardized incidence rates were predicted through 2034 using age-period-cohort models.
RESULTS:
The incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disease burden of COPD have been decreasing, and the incidence rates will continue to decrease or remain stable until 2034 in most selected countries and territories, except for a few Southeastern Asian countries. The Lao People's Democratic Republic and Vietnam are projected to experience an increase in COPD incidence from 165.3 per 100,000 in 2019 to 177 per 100,000 in 2034 and from 179.9 per 100,000 in 2019 to 192.5 per 100,000 in 2034, respectively. Older males had a higher incidence than any other sex or age group. The sex gap in incidence rates continues to widen, though it is smaller and less significant in the younger age group than in those in the older one.
CONCLUSION
COPD rates are expected to decline until 2034 but remain a health risk, especially in countries with rising rates. Urgent action on tobacco control, air pollution, and public education is needed.
Humans
;
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/mortality*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Incidence
;
Asia/epidemiology*
;
Adult
;
Prevalence
;
Cost of Illness
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
;
Young Adult
;
Global Burden of Disease
;
Adolescent
5.Burden of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Asia from 1990 to 2021: Findings from Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
Shenshen HUANG ; Jiayong QIU ; Anyi WANG ; Yuejiao MA ; Peiwen WANG ; Dong DING ; Luhong QIU ; Shuangping LI ; Mengyi LIU ; Jiexin ZHANG ; Yimin MAO ; Yi YAN ; Xiqi XU ; Zhicheng JING
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(11):1324-1333
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*
6.Global and Chinese burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in chronic liver disease: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
Xinyu ZHAO ; Dong XU ; Wei JI ; Zhengzhao LU ; Cheng HUANG ; Jingjie ZHAO ; Tingting XIAO ; Dongxu WANG ; Yuanyuan KONG ; Jidong JIA ; Hong YOU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(14):1741-1751
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
7.Trends and sex disparities in the burden of urolithiasis in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2021.
Junjiong ZHENG ; Qihang ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Yuhui YAO ; Li CHEN ; Yunfei LIU ; Yi SONG ; Tianxin LIN ; Guohua HE
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):1973-1983
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
8.Growing burden of asthma in China from 1990 to 2021: An analysis for the global burden of disease study 2021.
Xiaoyang WANG ; Tianli WEI ; Junmei XU ; Yingxue DING
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(23):3124-3130
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
9.Incidence, mortality, and burden of Parkinson's disease in China: A time-trend analysis and comparison with the global burden based on Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
Fan GAO ; Xiaoyu CHENG ; Junyi LIU ; Yinlian HAN ; Chengjie MAO ; Chongke ZHONG ; Chunfeng LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(23):3176-3183
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
10.Analysis of burden and equality of lower extremity peripheral artery disease in people aged 40 and above in the Belt and Road partner countries from 1990 to 2021.
Guangdian SHEN ; Longzhu ZHU ; Jiayao YING ; Shiyi SHAN ; Zeyu LUO ; Denan JIANG ; Jing WU ; Yuefeng ZHU
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(1):10-20
OBJECTIVES:
To analyze the disease burden and inequalities of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (LEPAD) among people aged 40 and above in the Belt and Road partner countries from 1990 to 2021.
METHODS:
Data were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database. The age-standardized prevalence rates, mortality rates, and the annual rate of years lived with disability (YLDs) of LEPAD were analyzed. Trends were measured using the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and the slope index of inequality (SII) and concentration index were used to quantify the absolute and relative inequalities.
RESULTS:
In 2021, the age-standardized prevalence and mortality rates of LEPAD were 3168.26/105 and 3.09/105, increasing by 4.30% and 19.31% compared to 1990, while YLDs rates decreased by 4.00%. Females had higher age-standardized prevalence and YLDs rates, while males had higher mortality rates. The EAPC for prevalence rates was slightly higher in males (0.22%) than in females (0.17%); while the EAPC of age-standardized mortality rate was 2.02% for females, compared to 1.45% for males. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized YLDs rates decreased from 16.23/105 to 15.58/105, with a faster decline in females (-0.12%) than in males (-0.06%). LEPAD prevalence varied across countries, with higher burden in Europe and faster growth in Gulf states. Higher socio-demographic index countries had higher prevalence. Inequity improved, with the SII at 52.90/105 and concentration index at 0.038 in 2021. Gender disparities persisted, with concentration index increased to 0.058 in females and reduced to -0.026 in males.
CONCLUSIONS
LEPAD prevalence and mortality among people aged 40 and above in the Belt and Road partner countries increased, while YLDs rates decreased from 1990 to 2021. Significant differences among people exist depending on gender and country, highlighting the need for enhanced screening, health education, and shared public health strategies across the Belt and Road partner countries.
Humans
;
Peripheral Arterial Disease/mortality*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Aged
;
Prevalence
;
Lower Extremity/blood supply*
;
Global Burden of Disease
;
Cost of Illness

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