Cardiff Crohn's disease jubilee: the incidence over 50 years

J D Rose1, G M Roberts, G Williams

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

Gut
|March 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Crohn's disease incidence in Cardiff dramatically increased from 0.18 to 8.3 cases per 100,000 people annually between 1931 and 1985. This rise continues, with more colorectal cases and peak occurrences in the third and eighth decades of life.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.
  • Understanding disease incidence trends is crucial for public health planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the incidence of Crohn's disease in Cardiff from 1931 to 1985.
  • To identify trends and demographic patterns in disease occurrence.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of hospital diagnostic indices.
  • Inclusion of clinician, pathology, and radiology records.
  • Confirmation of 407 new Crohn's disease cases.

Main Results:

  • Incidence rose significantly from 0.18 to 8.3 cases per 100,000 population annually.
  • A continuous upward trend in incidence was observed.
  • An increasing proportion of patients presented with colorectal involvement.
  • Peak age-specific incidences were noted in the third and eighth decades of life.

Conclusions:

  • Crohn's disease incidence in Cardiff has markedly increased over the study period.
  • The rising trend suggests ongoing environmental or etiological factors.
  • Further research into the causes and management of Crohn's disease is warranted.

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