Hospitalization and Mortality Rates for Heart Failure in Public Hospitals in Sao Paulo

Background: Advances in the treatment of heart failure (HF) have resulted in reduced mortality and hospitalization rates. On the other hand, when hospitalized, patients are at high risk of death. Objective: As there are few studies in this group of patients in Brazil, we analyzed the numbers of hospitalization and deaths due to HF in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) in the city of Sao Paulo. Methods: Historical prospective study carried out between 1992 and 2010. The data were obtained from DATASUS. We used Chi-square and t tests for comparison between the periods 1992-1993 and 2008-2009 and logistic regression models when appropriate. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: There was a 32% decrease in the number of hospitalizations for HF between 1992-1993 and 2008-2009 (p = 0.002). The in-hospital mortality rate for HF was 15%, with a 15% increase in the period (p = 0.004). Between 1992 and 1993, the mean time of hospitalization for HF was 8.8 days. Between 2008 and 2009, it was 11.3 days (p = 0.001). August was the month with the highest incidence of hospitalizations for HF, 20% higher than in February, the month with the lowest incidence (p = 0.041). Conclusion: This study showed changes in trends of hospitalization for HF and mortality over the last two decades. We emphasize important implications: 1: 32% decrease in the number of hospitalizations for HF in SUS hospitals in Sao Paulo; 2: 25% increase in hospitalization time, and 3: seasonal pattern of hospitalization for HF, with a peak in the third quarter. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2011;97(5):402-407)