EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF ADMISSIONS IN CHRONIC RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE IN THE NORTHEAST REGION

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatic fever originates from a delayed immune response to infection by beta-hemolytic Streptococcus group A. This immune reaction can affect heart valves, and up to 3% of those with rheumatic fever may progress to chronic rheumatic disease. Objective: Considering the gap in epidemiological data analysis of Chronic Rheumatic Disease (CRD) in the Brazilian Northeast region, this study aims to conduct the epidemiological profile of CRD in the Northeast region of Brazil, intending to contribute to the optimization of disease management. Methodology: The present study is a cross- sectional descriptive study, with data collected through the Unified Health System Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) linked to DATASUS. Results and Discussion: 12,648 hospitalizations were observed in the period, with 858 hospital deaths. Moreover, several peculiarities were noted regarding the patient's gender, ethnicity, age group, the year of analysis, and expenses related to hospital support for CRD. There was a progressively increasing trend in hospitalizations by age group up to 49 years. Conclusion: It is demonstrated that numerous variables can be analyzed, discussed, and taken into consideration for planning strategies for approaching patients with CRD in the Brazilian Northeast, so that studies on these topics should be continued and deepened.