Incidence of Pancreatitis in Brazil: epidemiological analysis and impacts on public health in the last 5 years

Abstract

Pancreatitis cases represent a serious public health problem, being responsible for high hospitalization rates in Brazil. This study analyzed hospitalizations for pancreatitis in Brazil between 2020 and 2024, based on data from the Hospital Information System (SIH) of DATASUS. Hospitalizations for pancreatitis in Brazil showed a significant increase in the period, totaling 181,249 cases. The year 2023 recorded the highest number of hospitalizations (20.87%), while 2020 had the lowest rate (14.12%). The Southeast region concentrated most cases (46.98%), with São Paulo leading hospitalizations, followed by Minas Gerais. The age group most affected was between 40 and 49 years old (20.25%), with a predominance of males (52.13%). Regarding color/race, the brown population represented the largest percentage (41.92%), however, there was a significant lack of information (12.78%). The continuous growth in cases highlights the need for preventive strategies, including controlling alcohol consumption and obesity, in addition to strengthening access to health services for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, aiming to reduce complications and hospital overload associated with the disease in Brazil.