Epidemiological scenario of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory polyarthropathies in Brazil

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, and immune-mediated inflammatory diseasethat primarily affects women over the age of 50. Classified among the inflammatorypolyarthropathies, it is characterized by inflammation of synovial joints and may presentextra-articular manifestations such as pericarditis and Sjögren’s syndrome. The epidemiological relevance of RA lies in its significant impact on quality of life and the burdenit places on health services. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological scenario ofrheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory polyarthropathies in Brazil from 2019 to 2024, identifying hospitalization and mortality profiles according to sex, age group, and geographicregion, while discussing the implications of these findings for the development of publichealth policies. This is an epidemiological, descriptive, and retrospective study with a quantitative and qualitative approach, based on secondary data obtained from the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), available through DATASUS. Hospital admissions and deaths recorded over five years were analyzed and stratified bysociodemographic and regional variables, with incomplete data excluded. The results showeda higher incidence of hospitalizations and deaths in the Southeast and Northeast regions, withpredominance among females aged 60 to 69 years. These findings reflect both populationaging and better access to health services in these regions. The higher prevalence amongwomen may be explained by hormonal factors and greater healthcare-seeking behavior. It isconcluded that rheumatoid arthritis imposes a significant care burden on the Brazilian publichealth system, reinforcing the need for public policies focused on early diagnosis, continuoustreatment, and reduction of regional disparities.