Adverse drug reaction deaths reported in United States vital statistics, 1999-2006.

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are an important source of morbidity and mortality during medical care.

Objective: To examine the trends in mortality related to ADRs reported through the US vital statistics system since January 1999.

Methods: Demographic characteristics of people reported as dying as a result of ADRs from 1999 to 2006 were evaluated.