Three-Decade Analysis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Türkiye: A Multicenter Study (1993-2024)

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Epidemiology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) present a growing global health challenge.
• Understanding regional IBD trends, particularly between Europe and Asia, is crucial.
• This study examines the evolving patterns of IBD in Türkiye over the past 30 years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiological trends and clinical characteristics of IBD in Türkiye.
• To analyze changes in IBD prevalence, patient demographics, and treatment modalities over three decades.
• To compare IBD patterns in Türkiye with those observed in European and Asian regions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 4308 IBD patients across 14 centers in Türkiye.
• Data collection spanned from June 1993 to March 2024.
• Inclusion criteria covered ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Over 30 years, IBD prevalence increased, with a decreasing ulcerative colitis to Crohn's Disease ratio.
• The median age of IBD onset was 34.43 years, younger in Crohn's Disease (32.72) than ulcerative colitis (35.52).
• Biologic therapy use rose to 36.6%, while major abdominal surgeries decreased, with 24.3% undergoing surgery for Crohn's Disease and 3.5% for ulcerative colitis.

Conclusions:

• IBD frequency and characteristics in Türkiye position it between European and Asian epidemiological profiles.
• Increasing prevalence of Crohn's Disease and rising use of biologic therapies mark recent trends.
• A significant decline in the rate of major abdominal surgeries for IBD has been observed over the study period.