[Geographic distribution of mortality due to multiple sclerosis in Colombia, 2010-2015].

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the geographical distribution of extended mortality due to multiple sclerosis in Colombia between 2010 and 2015.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive study to analyze the geographical distribution of mortality rates from the death certificates between 2010 and 2015. State and municipal mortality rates were calculated and adjusted by age and sex.

RESULTS: 56.8% of deaths occurred in women and 28.7% in people aged 50 to 59 years. In 2010, the national mortality rate was 0.28 per 100,000 people, and the highest was recorded in Casanare (0.59 per 100,000). In 2011, the rate was 0.24, and Buenaventura recorded the highest (0.51). In 2012, the rate was 0.27, and la Guajira recorded the highest (0.34). In 2013, the rate was 0.27, and the highest was in Arauca (0.83). In 2014, the rate was 0.32, and the highest was occurred in Putumayo (1.14). In 2015 the rate was 0.23 and Santa Marta recorded the highest (0.58). By municipalities, Sativanorte, Arcabuco (Boyacá), San Miguel, la Paz (Santander) and la Merced (Caldas) recorded the highest rates.

CONCLUSION: The pattern of mortality due to multiple sclerosis is similar in the study period. The highest burden of mortality was recorded in women and in municipalities of Santander and Boyacá.