EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR CROHN'S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN THE GERIATRIC POPULATION: A BRAZILIAN OVERVIEW OF THE LAST DECADE

Introduction Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are conditions that cause signs such as inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and abdominal pain. CD predominates between the ages of 15-35 and, secondarily, among the elderly. Thus, considering the IBD incidence in the geriatric population and the lack of studies for this age group in Brazil, it is essential to conduct an epidemiological analysis of this group.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological profile of hospitalizations of elderly Brazilian patients for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis between 2013 and 2023.

Method This is a descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study based on the Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS), through the Department of Information and Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), referring to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis over the last ten years, for patients in Brazil. The filters used were ICD-10 morbidity list (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), hospitalizations, race/ethnicity, gender, age group, average hospital stay, available period (January 2013 to December 2023), and processing year. The data were tabulated in Excel and analyzed using R 4.40 software with RStudio 2024.04.1 + 748. The study adheres to the ethical guidelines of Resolution 466/12 from the National Health Council.

Results The total number of hospitalizations in these ten years was 10,034. The Southeast region led the number of hospitalizations (50.6%), while the North region had the lowest number (4.5%). The age group with the most hospitalizations was 60-69 years (51.3%) and was mostly urgent (83.2%). The female sex was more affected (57.3%), and the predominant ethnicity was white, with 45.7% of the total. The data indicate an increase in hospitalizations for CD over the years, with 2023 having the most hospitalizations (n=1,290), while the lowest record was in 2013 (n=70). The Northeast region had the highest average length of hospital stay (n=8).

Conclusion The results highlight the importance of public health strategies for early diagnosis and effective management of CD and UC, aiming to reduce emergency hospitalizations and improve the quality of life for geriatric patients. Additionally, the regional variation in hospitalizations and length of stay suggests that health policies tailored to local specifics are vital to addressing the challenges presented by the disease in Brazil.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
25 April 2025