EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES IN BRAZIL

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to debilitating symptoms and severe complications. The increasing incidence of IBD in developing countries, such as Brazil, highlights the need for a detailed analysis of epidemiological data to formulate effective public health policies. The aim was to evaluate the epidemiological profile of IBD in Brazil, including distribution by age, sex, clinical characteristics, and regional patterns of incidence and hospitalization. Data from various studies published between 2008 and 2024 that addressed the epidemiological profile of IBD in different regions of the country were reviewed. Data were collected from hospital records, national databases, and reports of specific studies that were available in full for analysis. A growing prevalence of IBD in Brazil was observed, with significant regional variations. In the Federal District (DF), hospitalizations for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis increased by 20% in the last decade. In Mato Grosso (MT), the prevalence of IBD was higher in women (56%) compared to men (44%). In Santa Catarina (SC), the majority of patients were between 30 and 50 years old, with a prevalence of 60% for Crohn's Disease. Studies in Espírito Santo (ES) and Paraná (PR) revealed that patients with IBD frequently had comorbidities, such as obesity and diabetes, complicating disease management. The hospitalization rate for IBD in Brazil ranged from 7.1 to 9.3 days, with the longest hospitalization times recorded in the Northeast. Mortality associated with IBD was low, but there was an increase in the incidence of severe complications, such as abscesses and fistulas, especially in patients with Crohn's Disease. It was also noted that the introduction of biological therapies significantly improved the quality of life for patients, reducing hospitalization rates and complications. The epidemiological profile of IBD in Brazil shows an increase in prevalence and case complexity, with demographic and regional variations that directly impact the management and treatment of patients. IBD predominantly affects young adults, with a slight predominance in women. The identification of associated comorbidities highlights the need for multifaceted approaches in management. Investing in public health policies aimed at early detection and effective treatment of IBD is crucial to improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.

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

Publication History

Article published online:
25 April 2025