Changing mortality from cirrhosis in Denmark 1965-1978.

The annual consumption of alcohol in Denmark doubled from 6 to 121 per adult inhabitant during the years 1964 to 1976. The impact of this change on the mortality from cirrhosis was studied. Overall cirrhosis mortality increased by 33% during this period. However, when analysed according to sex- and age-specific mortality rates, a threefold increase in mortality among young and middle-aged men was found, whereas the mortality among older women fell to 50% of previous rates. Long-term observation of female mortality demonstrated several significant changes since 1945, the reason for which could not be elucidated. Thus in Denmark mortality from cirrhosis in young men closely paralleled alcohol consumption, whereas in women other factors appeared more important and should be specifically looked for.