Mapping of the diagnostic production in viral hepatitis (hepatitis C) in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To map indicators of hepatitis C in Brazil, comparing the data of IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) and estimating the health system performance in the diagnosis and care of hepatitis by regions. Methods: Official public sources were used for data collection from 2010 to 2014. For obtaining socio-demographic and health information, IBGE and DATASUS databases were used respectively. Results/Discussion: A population growth was observed in all regions, but was greater in the North and Central-West, reflecting a new economic scenario. The first step in diagnosis of hepatitis C is the serology. It was discovered that it is evenly distributed in all regions, and grows every year, especially, in the Central-West, but also in Southeast and South. The qualitative PCR exam became obsolete from the largest offer of quantitative methods, in particular, Real Time PCR, which covered a gap in the quantitative method with advantages. Quantitative PCR, on the other hand, had an exponential growth in South and Southeast and remained in high use. Conclusion: the best strategy to strengthen access to therapies and the future elimination of hepatitis C is distinct for each region of the country. To the North, Northeast and Central-West, it was identified the need for better organization of health services, including more physicians, trained for the management of hepatitis C. Moreover, to all regions the offering of non-invasive diagnosis methodology would be an essential tool to expand and qualify the assistance to hepatitis C.