[Hospitalizations for pulmonary tuberculosis in the State of São Paulo in 2004].
Tuberculosis (TB) continues as one of the main challenges for public health and primary health care.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze hospitalizations for pulmonary TB that occurred in the State of São Paulo in 2004.


METHODS
Data were collected related to: number of hospitalizations for pulmonary tuberculosis according to gender and age range; average hospitalization time; deaths during hospitalizations and hospitalization costs for the Unified Health System (SUS), using DATASUS, the SUS database.


RESULTS
In 2004, 4,859 hospitalizations for pulmonary tuberculosis occurred in the State of São Paulo. Hospitalizations were more frequent among men, with 4079 (84%) cases; average hospitalization time was 26.2 days; 202 (4.53%) patients died, 155 of whom were men; higher costs were found for patients under 14.


CONCLUSIONS
Early diagnosis is essential in the identification of TB, with a view to reducing the number of TB hospitalizations, however there is a need for a primary health care service that is capable of accomplishing these actions.
Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto. ricardo@eerp.usp.br
Ricardo Alexandre
RA
Arcêncio
Mayra Fernanda
MF
de Oliveira
Tereza Cristina Scatena
TC
Villa
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000628:therapy*