Inflammatory bowel disease: an uncommon problem in Singapore

Fifty patients with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, 40; Crohn's disease, seven; indeterminate colitis, three) treated in one gastroenterology unit in Singapore over a 10 year period were reviewed. Clinical features were similar to those described in Western patients. Of the three main races of Singapore it was found that Indians are more susceptible to these diseases than Chinese or Malays. A survey of all gastroenterologists in Singapore indicated a possible prevalence of 8.6 per 100,000 people for ulcerative colitis and 1.3 per 100,000 people for Crohn's disease. These prevalence rates are much lower than those reported for Western populations.