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Inflammatory bowel disease in the West Indies
British Medical Journal
|October 6, 1979
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not rare in West Indians of African and Indian descent. This study found numerous cases of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in Trinidad, challenging previous assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Previous assumptions suggested inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is uncommon in individuals of African and Indian ancestry.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence and characteristics of IBD in West Indian populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a West Indian population.
- To challenge the prevailing notion that IBD is rare in people of African and Indian origin in the Caribbean.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 34 ulcerative colitis and 14 Crohn's disease cases over a 10-year period.
- Analysis of patient demographics, including racial/ethnic background (Negroes, Indians, mixed race, Caucasian).
Main Results:
- A significant number of IBD cases were observed in Negroes (26) and Indians (18).
- Many patients presented with extensive disease, and several Crohn's disease patients experienced severe complications.
Conclusions:
- The assumption that inflammatory bowel disease is rare among West Indians of African and Indian origin is incorrect.
- IBD appears to be a relevant health concern in this demographic, necessitating further research and clinical attention.