Epidemiological Profile: An Important Step in the Organization of Medical Care

Abstract

The demographic-epidemiological study of a disease allows for a more accurate characterization of situations involving the care of this pathology and a better distribution of resources, often scarce, thereby optimizing patient care. In a scenario of general lack of financial, technological, and professional resources, it is necessary to develop a program that addresses all processes, streamlining the care network flow and,m consequently, that produces a positive impact on the outcome. Continuous reassessment of methods and criteria are necessary in order to evaluate the need for the reorganization and redirection of resources.When treating congenital heart disease (CHD), the estimated prevalence may seem insignificant, when compared to other more prevalent cardiac pathologies, such as coronary artery disease. In Brazil, a prevalence of 12:1,000 live births with CHD has been estimated, corresponding to 25,757 new cases per year. These were responsible for 6% of all deaths in children < 1 year of age, according to data from Pinto Jr., 1 Salim et al., 2 observed that the main cause of death in young people under 20 years of age between 2000 and 2015 was circulatory system malformation. 2 The clinical presentation of diseases is extremely variable, with symptoms that can start from the fetal period to adulthood and the correct diagnosis at an appropriate time is a determining factor for better therapeutic management and success. Lopes et al. demonstrated a lethality of 64.7% for critical CHD, which proved to be higher during the neonatal period. 3 However, data on mortality must be interpreted in the context of available medical care in the studied region.