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Crohn's disease in West Indians
I W Fellows1, J F Mayberry, G K Holmes
1Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, Nottingham, England.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 1, 1988
Summary
West Indians do not have a genetic protection against Crohn's disease. An epidemiological survey found similar incidence rates of this inflammatory bowel disease in West Indians and Caucasians in Derby, UK.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease with complex etiology.
- Previous assumptions suggested potential genetic protection in certain ethnic groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of Crohn's disease in the West Indian population.
- To compare Crohn's disease rates between West Indians and the Caucasian population.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiological survey was conducted in the City of Derby.
- Data collection spanned from 1976 to 1985.
- Incidence rates were calculated per 10(5) person-years.
Main Results:
- The incidence of Crohn's disease in West Indians was 4.5-5.6/10(5)/yr.
- The incidence of Crohn's disease in Caucasians was 7.0/10(5)/yr.
- No significant difference in incidence was observed between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- West Indians are not genetically protected against developing Crohn's disease.
- Environmental or other factors may play a more significant role than genetics in disease development for this population.