PERFIL CLÍNICO-EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DE IDOSOS COM SÍNDROME RESPIRATÓRIA AGUDA GRAVE NO BRASIL EM 2023

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.046112426098

• Palavras-chave: Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave; Saúde do Idoso; Epidemiologia.

• Keywords: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome; Health of the Elderly; Epidemiology.

• Abstract: Introduction: The elderly represent the most vulnerable group to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) due to factors such as immunosenescence and comorbidities. In Brazil, SARS continues to be a public health challenge, with high incidence and mortality rates among this population. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of elderly individuals with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), regardless of the cause, in Brazil in 2023. Methodology: Cross-sectional and descriptive study carried out with notifications of elderly individuals with SARS, registered in the openDataSUS database, linked to the Ministry of Health, from January 1 to December 31, 2023. Results: A total of 85,422 cases were reported, with a predominance of female individuals, white and brown race/color, residents of urban areas, high hospitalization rate, admission to the Intensive Care Unit, use of non-invasive ventilatory support, and presence of comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. There was significant non-completion of the education variable. The main clinical manifestations included fever, dyspnea, cough, and O2 saturation <95%. Imaging tests, such as radiography and tomography, were rarely performed, while nasopharyngeal secretion collection was the most commonly used diagnostic method. The unspecified SARS classification was the most common, accompanied by a significant cure rate. Conclusion: The need for effective prevention and control strategies aimed at risk groups, such as the elderly population, who are more vulnerable to SARS, is highlighted.