Clinical and lifestyle patterns in Asian children with inflammatory bowel disease in the U.S

While there are many epidemiologic studies of Asian immigrants to the West and risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the phenotype and lifestyle of Asian patients, particularly children, with IBD are not well described. In this study, we describe lifestyle practices, such as dietary pattern, as well as disease phenotype in Asian American children with IBD.

We reviewed the records of children with IBD, ages 0 to 21 years old, and race identified as Asian, Indian, or Pacific Islander. Patients who received outpatient IBD care at our center between January 2013 and January 2020 were included. We excluded patients who were international second opinions, who did not have a definitive diagnosis of IBD, and in whom a diagnosis of IBD was made after 18 years of age. A survey, including a food frequency questionnaire adapted from NHANES DSQ with modifications to include culturally appropriate food elements, was designed and conducted within this cohort to assess for dietary patterns.

Asian patients in our cohort have similar phenotypes as non-Asians with few distinctive differences. There was a Crohn's disease and male predominance similar with non-Asians. However, there was a high rate of proctitis in ulcerative colitis in Asian patients. Asian patients reported a typical dietary pattern that reflects a Westernized pattern rather than a traditional pattern. Despite a similar dietary pattern, there was a high rate of 25-OH Vitamin D deficiency (44%) and insufficiency (40%).

This single center study showed that the phenotype of Asian children with IBD in the U.S. is similar with that of non-Asian with a few distinct differences. The Asian children in our cohort reported following a Westernized dietary pattern and lifestyle. However, there was a high rate of Vitamin D deficiency surrounding diagnosis, suggesting a need for vigilant monitoring.