Epidemiological profile of viral hepatitis in Rio Grande do Sul and its health macro-regions

Introduction: Viral hepatitis comprises a group of viruses characterized by high global prevalence and hepatic tropism. Its epidemiology is extremely variable throughout the world, and South America is an endemic place. A better understanding of the regional reality is fundamental for proposing new public health measures. Methods: We conducted an aggregate temporal study of the Viral Hepatitis Database of the Ministry of Health of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), with an epidemiological profile of the reactive results of HBsAg and Anti-HCV tests, together with data on mortality from acute Hepatitis B and chronic viral hepatitis from the respective Health Macro-Regions from 2007 to 2015. Results: The incidence of new cases of hepatitis B in RS during the analyzed period was 11 (95% CI, 9.7-12.1) cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Meanwhile, the Northern region of the state, represented by the municipality of Passo Fundo, had 32.7 (95% CI, 28.3-37) and 22.8 (95% CI, 19.5-26) new cases of hepatitis B per 100,000 inhabitants for men and women, respectively. The incidence of new cases of hepatitis C in the State of Rio Grande do Sul was 29.2 (95% CI, 24.5-34.9 in 100,000 inhabitants). Conclusion: Viral hepatitis remains an important pathology in the context of Rio Grande do Sul and its Macro-Regions. (AU)

Epidemiological profile of esophageal cancer mortality in Rio Grande do Sul and its health regions

Introduction: Malignant esophageal neoplasia is a rare tumor, but it has high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and intensive treatment associated with surgical approach remains the best treatment for the disease. Its epidemiology is extremely diverse in the world, even in the same country. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis made from 2000-2015, analyzing the mortality rates of malignant esophageal neoplasia in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) in its 30 Health Regions and in Brazil. The mortality data were collected in the Mortality Information System (SIM) and the population data in the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Results: The esophageal cancer mortality rate was 8.61 (95% CI, 8.49-8.73) per 100,000 inhabitants in RS, while the national rate was 3.66 (95% CI, 3, 49-3.82), with a significant difference (p <0.0001). The regional distribution was variable, and the West Border region presented the highest rate, 12.91 (95% CI, 12.05-13.77). However, even regions with lower mortality presented twice as much deaths than the national rate. Mortality increased with aging, with the oldest age groups (≥80 years) presenting 69.62 (95% CI, 64.9-74) deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Conclusion: Esophageal neoplasia is still a very serious condition in the state of RS, being associated with an almost 3-fold higher mortality rate compared to the national rate. Even within the state different epidemiological patterns are found. (AU)