Characterization of hospital discharge rates due to peritonitis in Chile in the years 2019 to 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum with nonspecific manifestations that can lead to severe complications. Objective: To determine the hospital discharge rate for peritonitis in Chile during the period 2019-2022. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study on the hospital discharge rate for peritonitis in Chile, using data from the Department of Health Statistics and Information and the National Institute of Statistics, according to age group, sex, and hospital stay duration (n = 6849). The hospital discharge rate was calculated, and descriptive analyses were performed for each subgroup. Result: The hospital discharge rate for the period was 9.74 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, reaching its peak in 2021. It was more prevalent in males, especially in the 10-14 age group and those over 80. The average hospital stay was 10.66 days, with longer stays observed in children under 4 years of age. Discussion: The increase in 2021 could be attributed to delays in medical care during the pandemic. The higher rates in the 10-14 and over 80 age groups reflect the relationship between etiology and clinical presentation, encouraging further epidemiological studies. Conclusion: This study establishes the impact of this pathology at the population level in Chile, highlighting the importance of effective screening and treatment. It is expected that this analysis will contribute to public health decision-making and promote future research.