EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS HOSPITALIZATIONS IN THE SUS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN CASCAVEL AND PARANÁ FROM 2021 TO 2025

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease associated with functional disability, high morbidity, and a significant economic impact on health systems. This study aimed to comparatively analyze hospital admission indicators for rheumatoid arthritis in the municipality of Cascavel and in the state of Paraná, between 2021 and 2025, as an indirect assessment of the effectiveness of clinical management of the disease within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). This is a descriptive, quantitative, and observational epidemiological study, based on secondary data from the Hospital Information System of the SUS (SIH/SUS), made available by DATASUS. The number of hospitalizations, total hospital expenditures, and average cost per admission related to rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory polyarthropathies were evaluated. In Paraná, a progressive increase in hospitalizations was observed, from 542 in 2021 to 919 in 2025, representing an approximate growth of 69.5%. Hospital expenditures increased from R$ 962,310.50 to R$ 2,997,898.27 over the period. In Cascavel, greater variability in indicators was observed, with a marked increase in hospitalizations and costs starting in 2024. The findings demonstrate an increasing clinical and economic burden of rheumatoid arthritis in the SUS, reinforcing the importance of continuous monitoring, early diagnosis, and adequate access to disease-modifying therapies and ongoing specialized outpatient care.