EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE MANAGEMENT COST OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS CASES IN ADULTS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CASCAVEL, IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ AND IN BRAZIL BETWEEN 2019 AND 2023: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BASED ON DATASUS DATA

Abstract

This study comparatively analyzed the budgetary impact of managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults aged 40 to 59 years at the municipal (Cascavel), state (Paraná), and national (Brazil) levels between 2019 and 2023, using data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SIH/SUS). It is a descriptive-comparative, quantitative, and ecological research that assessed hospital and outpatient costs, as well as the profile of patients by sex, age group, and race/skin color. The results showed that, in the period, SUS allocated about R$ 12.5 million to hospital treatment of RA patients, representing 0.05% of total national expenditures. The highest cost was recorded in 2019, followed by a sharp decrease in 2020, possibly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited access to health services for chronic diseases. From 2022 onward, a progressive and significant increase in costs was observed, surpassing previous levels.  In all spheres analyzed, white women accounted for the highest prevalence and costs, confirming the literature on the epidemiological profile of the disease. It is concluded that RA generates a relevant and continuous financial impact on SUS, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, and the strengthening of public policies to optimize resources and reduce social and economic effects.