HOSPITALIZATIONS DUE TO SEPTICEMIA IN CHILDREN FROM THE SOUTHEAST REGION OF BRAZIL: AN EVALUATION OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Abstract

The present article aims to analyze the epidemiology of sepsis hospitalizations in children up to 14 years old in the Southeast region of Brazil, from 2019 to 2023. Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by an infection, which, although initially localized, triggers changes in various body systems in an attempt to combat it. This condition remains a growing public health challenge, often underestimated. The study, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative in nature, used data from SIH/SUS extracted from DATASUS, analyzing variables such as region, year, age group, sex, race/color, type of care, and associated costs. Data analysis was conducted in Excel, with results presented in tables and graphs. Over the analyzed period, 33,049 sepsis hospitalizations in children were recorded, with 2019 being the most critical year in terms of hospitalizations, while 2020 had the lowest number of hospitalizations and expenditures, and 2023 registered the highest costs. The state of São Paulo accounted for the highest number of hospitalizations, while Espírito Santo reported the lowest figures. Infants were the most affected group, mostly male and self-declared as mixed race. The vast majority of hospitalizations were urgent, highlighting the need for early interventions and ongoing professional healthcare training and specialization.