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Crohn's disease in black patients
H Paul1, R W Barnes, V E Reese
1Department of Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC 20060.
Insights
Crohn
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Background:
- Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- CD exhibits lower prevalence in Black populations compared to White populations.
- However, CD in Black patients often presents with significant morbidity and is frequently misdiagnosed initially.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical presentation and management of Crohn's disease in Black patients.
- To highlight the importance of considering Crohn's disease in Black individuals with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 43 Black patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease.
- Data collected from Howard University Hospital between 1965 and 1987.
- Analysis of patient demographics, hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and clinic visits.
Main Results:
- The study identified 43 Black patients with Crohn's disease over a 22-year period.
- Patients experienced numerous hospital admissions (156), emergency room visits (47), and clinic visits (76).
- Demographic data revealed 28 females and 15 males, with a wide age range at presentation.
Conclusions:
- Crohn's disease should be considered in Black patients presenting with chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing Crohn's disease in this demographic.
- Appropriate medical therapy can significantly improve quality of life and reduce morbidity for affected patients.
Abstract:
Crohn's disease is less prevalent in blacks than in whites. However, when it does occur, it is associated with a high degree of morbidity and is frequently unrecognized at initial presentation. Forty-three patients with Crohn's disease presented to Howard University Hospital between 1965 and 1987. There were 156 hospital admissions, 47 emergency room visits, and 76 clinic visits over this 22-year period. Twenty-eight patients were female and 15 were male. The age of presentation for males ranged from 18 to 63 years and for females, 12 to 74 years. Crohn's disease should be considered in black patients who present with chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea. With correct diagnosis and appropriate medical therapy, patients should have an enhanced quality of life with less morbidity.