Ulcerative colitis in Greece. Epidemiologic and clinical data

Epidemiologic and clinical observations were made in 217 cases of ulcerative colitis between 1977 and 1983 in Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece. The disease affected both sexes equally. The peak incidence occurred between 21 and 30 years of age. A second peak concerning only men was observed in the 6th decade of life. Urban and highly educated sections of the population were more often affected. Severe attacks were seen in only 3.4% of the patients at onset of the disease. Surgical treatment (colectomy) was applied to one in every seven patients either for a severe attack or on suspicion of cancer or debilitating symptoms.