Epidemiology of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative Colitis in Brazil

a descriptive trajectory over a decade (2015–2024)

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the epidemiological profile and temporal trends of hospitalizations due to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in Brazil from 2015 to 2024. Methodology: ecological, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, based on data from the Brazilian Unified Health System Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS), available in DATASUS. Hospitalizations were analyzed according to year, region, sex, race/color, age group, and hospital
costs. Rates were calculated per 100,000 inhabitants using population data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), with descriptive statistical analysis. Results: a total of 52,044 hospitalizations and 1,206 deaths were recorded during the analyzed period, with an increasing trend in
hospitalizations throughout the historical series and a peak in 2024 (3.26 per 100,000 inhabitants). A higher frequency was observed among the elderly population, especially those aged 80 years or older (a peak of 13.11 in 2024), with a predominance of females in hospitalizations (a rate of 2.54). There was a higher occurrence of hospitalizations, in absolute numbers, among self-identified white individuals (41% of the total). The highest rates were identified
in the Southern region (a peak of 3.79 in 2024). Hospital expenditures showed an increasing trend, with the highest value recorded in 2023 (R$5.909.466). Conclusion: inflammatory bowel diseases showed an increasing trend in hospitalizations in Brazil, with a relatively stable mortality pattern and significant regional and demographic inequalities. These findings highlight the need to strengthen surveillance strategies, organize healthcare networks, and expand
access to timely diagnosis and treatment.