Epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Abstract

Data from epidemiological studies regarding the incidence
rates of ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease have shown
that both diseases are more common in the developed countries
of North America, Scandinavia and Europe and less
common in Asia, Africa and South America. Meanwhile,
although the incidence of UC has remained relatively stable
over the years, the incidence of CD has increased considerably
since its first description in 1932. IBD typically
affects young people, but may have a bimodal incidence with
a second peak in later life. Men are slightly more likely to
be affected with UC and women with CD. Mortality rates
have declined in recent years and most individuals are now
expected to live a normal life.