Analysis of hospitalizations for lower limb varicose veins in the brazilian Unified Health System

Authors

Keywords:

Varicose Veins, Venoactives, DATASUS

Abstract

Lower limb varicose veins affect the daily quality of life of numerous patients, progressing to severe conditions. Objective: This study aims to analyze hospitalizations related to lower limb varicose veins by Brazilian regions and age groups, as provided by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) between 2019 and 2023. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using data from hospital admission authorizations (AIH) related to lower limb varicose veins, extracted from the DATASUS database for the period from January 2019 to December 2023. The analyzed variables included the number of hospitalizations, average duration, average cost, total cost, and deaths by region and age group. A literature review was conducted using the SciELO and PubMed platforms. Results: The Southeast region had the highest number of hospitalizations, and the age group with the most hospitalizations was between 50 and 59 years, which also accounted for the highest total expenditure. The average hospitalization cost over the past five years was R$ 726.39, and the age group between 70 and 79 years had the highest average cost during the study period. The average length of hospital stay in days was consistently higher in the North region and among individuals aged 80 years or older, who also recorded the highest number of deaths. Conclusion: The data analyzed suggest regional disparities in access to healthcare interventions for lower limb varicose veins, highlighting the urgent need for public policies to improve this scenario.

Author Biographies

Thaís Mineli de Lima, Centro Universitário de Jaguariúna - UNIFAJ

Seventh-semester medical student at the Centro Universitário de Jaguariúna (UNIFAJ), fully funded by the ProUni scholarship program. Holds technical expertise in management through a technical degree in Administration (ETEC Euro Albino de Souza, 2019-2021). Served as a teaching assistant for Clinical Skills (2023.1), Physiology (2024.2), and Pathology (2023.2 and 2024.2) in the medical program. Awarded a Scientific Initiation Scholarship (2024). Member of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology (ABNeuro) in 2024. Student Member of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) in 2024. Student Member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in 2024.

Celene Aparecida Ferrari Audi, Centro Universitário de Jaguariúna - UNIFAJ

Holds a degree in Nursing from the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (1980), a master's degree in Public Health from the State University of Campinas (2002), and a doctorate in Public Health from the State University of Campinas (2007). Completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Public Health/Epidemiology at the State University of Campinas, Department of Public Health (2015). Currently, serves as a faculty member of the Medicine program at UNIFAJ. Manager of Emphasis on Medical Practice in the SUS - Family Health Strategy - PMSUS - ESF. Responsible for Teaching-Service Integration. Chair of the CPA (Self-Evaluation Commission). Chair of the CEP (Research Ethics Committee) at UNIMAX.

References

BRASIL. Ministério da Saúde. DATASUS (Departamento de Informática do SUS) - TabNet Win32 3.2, 2024. Disponível em: <http://tabnet.datasus.gov.br/cgi/tabcgi.exe?sih/cnv/niuf.def>. Acesso em: 19 jun. 2024.

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Published

2025-08-18

Issue

Vol. 77 No. 1 (2025): Ciências da Saúde

Section

Artigos