Hospitalizations and deaths related to fibromyalgia: a retrospective cross-sectional study in Paraná between 2013 and 2023

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the patterns of hospitalizations and deaths related to fibromyalgia in the state of Paraná between 2013 and 2023, identifying the epidemiological profile of patients and the main associated comorbidities. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study with a quantitative approach, conducted using secondary data from the Hospital Information System (SIH) and the Mortality Information System (SIM), available through DATASUS. Variables analyzed included sex, age, race/ethnicity, municipality of origin, causes of death, performed procedures, length of hospital stay, and hospital costs. Results: During the analyzed period, 148 hospitalizations were recorded, with a predominance of females, a mean age of 48.6 years, and a higher frequency among individuals of White race/ethnicity. The municipality of Palmeira presented the highest proportional hospitalization rate. A total of 73 deaths were identified, mostly among women, with a mean age of 61.1 years. The main causes of death were coronavirus infection and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: Fibromyalgia has a significant impact on morbidity, mortality, and hospital costs, particularly among middle-aged women. As a limitation, the scarcity of scientific studies addressing the association between fibromyalgia and other diseases compromises the expansion of discussions and the comparison of results with previous studies.