Estimation of ulcerative colitis incidence in Hormozgan province, southern Iran

ABSTRACT

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] may have changed over time. The incidence and prevalence of IBD appears to be lower in Asia and South America. Although once believed to be infrequent in Iran, there has been a rising trend in IBD over the past two decades. However, in Iran there is no data about the incidence and prevalence of IBD. Demographic and clinical features, extension of disease in new patients with UC that referred to Shahid Mohammadi Hospital Gastroenterology Clinic and one private clinic, the only gastroenterology centers in Hormozgan Province, were assessed over a two-year period [2004-2006]. There were 37 patients seen in 2004-2005 and 42 patients in 2005-2006, who were diagnosed with UC. The estimated incidence of UC was at least 3.25100,000. The mean +/- SD age at diagnosis was 32.8 +/- 16 years, with a male to female ratio of 0.8. Most patients presented with rectal bleeding. The rectum was affected in 36.2% of cases and rectosigmoid colitis was reported in 29%, left-sided colitis in 26%, and pancolitis in 8.7% of cases. Geographic variation of the incidence of IBD within a country has also been observed and the incidence of IBD may have changed over time. The true epidemiologic profile of IBD in Iran is unknown, but with the continuing rise in IBD, more attention should be directed for evaluation of this disease