REGIONAL ANALYSIS OF HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR SEPTIC ARTHRITIS IN BRAZIL: A COMPARISON AMONG SOUTHERN STATES BASED ON DATASUS DATA

Abstract

Septic arthritis is an acute infectious disease characterized by the invasion of the joint space by microorganisms, mainly bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, which may lead to rapid cartilage destruction and significant functional impairment if not treated promptly. In the Brazilian context, regional inequalities in access to healthcare services directly influence the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of this condition, making it a relevant public health issue. The present study aimed to describe and compare the epidemiology of hospitalizations for septic arthritis in the states of Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina, between 2014 and 2024. This is an observational, ecological, cross-sectional, and comparative study with a quantitative approach, based on secondary data from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System, obtained through DATASUS. Hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis corresponding to pyogenic arthritis (ICD-10 M00) were analyzed, and rates per 100,000 inhabitants were calculated using population estimates from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. The analysis revealed a total of 9,796 hospitalizations during the study period, with a higher concentration in Rio Grande do Sul, followed by Paraná and Santa Catarina. After population adjustment, Rio Grande do Sul maintained the highest mean annual rate, indicating a greater relative burden of the disease. The observed differences among the states suggest the influence of structural, demographic, and healthcare-related factors, including access to services and system capacity. In summary, this study contributes to the understanding of the epidemiological profile of septic arthritis in southern Brazil and highlights the need to strengthen public health policies aimed at improving equity in access to diagnosis and treatment, as well as standardizing clinical management, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.