Worldwide Seasonal Variation in Hospital Admissions for Diverticulitis: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Seasonal variations are increasingly linked to acute abdominal conditions.
• The role of climate in diverticulitis incidence remains unclear.
• Understanding temporal trends may reveal modifiable risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review global evidence on seasonal variation in diverticulitis.
• To determine the magnitude and direction of these temporal patterns.
• To identify potential environmental or behavioral influences.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of major scientific databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar).
• Inclusion of peer-reviewed human studies reporting temporal or seasonal patterns of diverticulitis.
• Qualitative synthesis of data from eight observational studies encompassing over 1 million cases.

Main Results:

• Seven of eight studies indicated a seasonal pattern, with peaks in summer/autumn and troughs in winter.
• Observed peak-to-trough amplitudes ranged from 16% to 27%.
• Hemispheric phase reversal confirmed genuine seasonality, with proposed links to dehydration, diet, and vitamin D.

Conclusions:

• Diverticulitis exhibits a reproducible seasonal pattern, suggesting environmental or behavioral triggers.
• Consistent phase reversal between hemispheres supports true seasonality.
• Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms and develop preventive strategies.