Estudo Epidemiológico das Internações por Úlcera Gástrica e Duodenal no Brasil, entre 2020 e 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers are lesions in the mucosa of the stomach and duodenum, respectively, caused by an imbalance between aggressive factors, such as hydrochloric acid, and mucosal defense mechanisms. These conditions are primarily associated with Helicobacter pylori infection and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This study analyzes hospitalizations for these ulcers in Brazil between 2020 and 2024, highlighting their regional and temporal variations. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to quantify and analyze the rates of hospitalizations for gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers in Brazil. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective study with a quantitative approach used data from the SUS Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS), provided by the SUS Information Technology Department (TABNET/DATASUS). The analysis covered hospitalizations for gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers in Brazil from January 2020 to December 2024, using descriptive statistics and tabulation in Microsoft Excel 2016 and Microsoft Word 10 spreadsheets. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Between 2020 and 2024, Brazil recorded 54,744 hospitalizations for gastric and duodenal ulcers, with the Southeast region accounting for the majority of cases (23,989). A gradual increase in hospitalizations was observed until 2023, reaching a peak of 11,482 cases, followed by a slight decrease in 2024. These variations reflect not only the resumption of health services post-pandemic, but also regional inequalities in access, socioeconomic conditions, and diagnostic capacity. CONCLUSION: Therefore, hospitalizations for gastric and duodenal ulcers in Brazil between 2020 and 2024 reveal challenges linked to socioeconomic factors and access to healthcare. Reducing these hospitalizations requires adapted public policies, effective prevention, Helicobacter pylori control, and health education. Investing in primary care, healthy habits, and sanitation is essential to reduce inequalities, improve quality of life, and strengthen the national healthcare system.