Epidemiology of Liver Cirrhosis and Primary Liver Carcinoma in Fukuoka Prefecture

Abstract

The cirrhotic mortality of Fukuoka Prefecture is approximately 20.0 (19.6-21.2) per 100,000 population in an accumulative average of 1973-1978. This corresponds to one and a half times the average of all Japan during the same period. Also, the mortality of primary liver carcinoma which is approximately two-thirds the mortality of liver cirrhosis, corresponds to one and a half times the average of the whole country during the period of time. On the other hand, alcohol consumption per capita in Fukuoka Pref. is 7.5-8.0 liters which is a little higher than the accumulative national average during the same time as above. As for the positivity of HBsAg, the range of 2.6-3.1% was recognized in 1980 which was higher than the total average of the country (1.9%). No remarkable change of other factors was noticed in association with the mortality caused by liver cirrhosis and liver carcinoma except the high concentration of iron in drinking water. In conclusion, multi-factors which include unknown causes could be involved in the onset, development and outcome of liver cirrhosis and liver carcinoma in the northern area of Kyushu island.