PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS USING SYNTHETIC MEDICATIONS: ANALYSIS OF SIMULATED DATASUS DATA IN THE STATE OF PARANÁ

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that predominantly affects peripheral joints and may lead to pain, deformities, and functional impairment. Pharmacological treatment aims to reduce inflammation, prevent the progression of deformities, and improve patients' quality of life. Among the medications used, synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and leflunomide, are important therapeutic options. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and therapeutic profile of patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving synthetic medications, with emphasis on data from the state of Paraná, obtained through DATASUS. This is a descriptive and documentary study based on simulated secondary data. A predominance of women over 50 years of age and a trend toward an increase in hospitalizations over the analyzed years were observed. The findings reinforce the importance of adherence to pharmacological treatment and multidisciplinary follow-up for disease control and the reduction of complications.