Tendência temporal de internação hospitalar e de mortalidade por epilepsia no Brasil e suas regiões no período de 2015 a 2024

Abstract

Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological conditions in the world, with a significant social, economic, and psychological impact, affecting individuals of all ages, genders, and social classes. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 50 million people live with epilepsy globally, with about 80% of them residing in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to medical treatment. This study analyzed temporal trends in hospital morbidity due to epilepsy in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) between 2015 and 2024. The objective was to identify hospitalization patterns, assess the impact of the COVID-19 regarding access to treatment for patients, and understand social and clinical factors associated with the disease. Methods: Observational time-series study using secondary data from the SUS Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) and Mortality Information System (SIM). Annual hospitalizations, peaks and declines, and linear trends were analyzed, with the coefficient of determination (R²) used to assess the strength of temporal associations. Results and Discussion: Hospitalizations remained relatively stable between 2015 and 2018, followed by slight growth in 2019, with a marked decrease in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting restrictions on elective care and reduced hospital access. From 2021, hospitalizations gradually resumed, peaking in 2023, likely due to recovery of deferred demand and improved case detection. The linear trend showed positive growth (R² = 0.551), suggesting a progressive increase in hospital morbidity. This pattern reflects both improved diagnosis and persistent risk factors, such as poor treatment adherence,alcohol and drug use, and inadequate outpatient follow-up. Conclusion: Hospital morbidity due to epilepsy in Brazil exhibits an upward trend, with significant impact from external events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings underscore the need for health policies promoting early diagnosis, continuous follow-up, and preventive strategies, considering regional and social inequalities.