[Unequal trends in causes of death in Brazilian regions].

OBJECTIVE: To determine changing patterns in the main causes of mortality Brazilian regions between 1980 and 2000 taking into consideration the inequalities among territories and epidemiological transition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data was gathered from the Information System of the state of São Paulo. Age-standardized mortality rates were calculated using the European population as reference. The average annual increase was calculated using linear regression models. RESULT: Mortality rates due to ill-defined causes of death, assaults and homicide, and HIV infection increased in men and women while mortality due to cardiovascular disease, pneumonia and influenza significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: The epidemiological transition in Brazil differs from that of developed countries and other Latin American countries, since causes of death connected with both developed and developing countries coexist.