ANALYSIS OF DEATHS DUE TO LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of autoimmune origin that can affect various organs and systems of the body, resulting in symptoms such as fever, weight loss, weakness, joint pain, among others. There are two main types of lupus: cutaneous, which affects the skin, and systemic, which affects internal organs. Diagnosis is based on factors intrinsic to the patient and requires the presence of specific autoantibodies and characteristic clinical manifestations.

The treatment of SLE involves the use of corticosteroids, antimalarials, and immunosuppressants, but these medications can cause adverse side effects that affect the quality of life of patients. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, morbidity and mortality in SLE patients is still significantly higher than in the general population. The objective of the present study was to identify the epidemiological profile of deaths from lupus erythematosus in Brazil between 2012 and 2022. A quantitative, retrospective, and epidemiological methodological approach was used, showing the number of deaths due to lupus erythematosus. Data were collected through the SUS Department of Informatics (DATASUS), and the variables investigated were year of death, region, gender, color/race, age group, and place of occurrence of deaths related to lupus erythematosus. The information pointed to the need for investment in research on lupus erythematosus, with a focus on early diagnosis, treatment, and access to quality health care.