Decennial epidemiological analysis of hospital admissions for surgical treatment of congenital glaucoma in Brazil

Abstract

This study analyzes the incidence and distribution of hospitalizations for congenital glaucoma in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) between December 2014 and December 2024, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and access to specialized ophthalmological treatment. This is a retrospective and descriptive study based on data from the SUS hospital information system (SIH/SUS), extracted from the Datasus/Tabnet platform, in the "Hospital morbidity" section. Hospitalizations recorded between December 2014 and December 2024 were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software. A total of 2,465 hospitalizations for surgical treatment of congenital glaucoma were recorded, with a higher concentration in the Southeast region (47.6%). There was a predominance of hospitalizations in males (56.59%) and a higher incidence in the age group from 0 to 4 years (72.9%). Regarding color/race, most hospitalizations occurred in white children (63%) and brown children (33.1%). The study reinforces the need for public policies that strengthen neonatal screening and early ophthalmological monitoring, ensuring greater equity in access to treatment. The decentralization of ophthalmological services and the implementation of technologies, such as telemedicine, can contribute to reducing regional inequalities and improving clinical outcomes in patients with congenital glaucoma.