IBD rate three times as high as assumed

Three times as many people as previously suspected suffer from chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, and the risk of colorectal cancer is particularly high in them.

A further increase expected in the coming years

Three times as many people as previously suspected suffer from chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, and the risk of colorectal cancer is particularly high in them. A British research team provided insight into these new findings during UEG Week 2019 in Barcelona.

As part of their study, the researchers observed cases of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the UK from 2000 to 2017 in order to obtain a precise overview of the incidence of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although previously only a small amount of representative data was available, the researchers came to clear results compared to the British Health Improvement Networtk: There were three times as many cases of IBD as previously assumed, UC occurred in 55 percent and Crohn's disease even in 83 percent more cases than previously assumed. 

The study results also indicated that the number of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases will increase by almost a quarter by 2025. So far, more than 3 million people in Europe are affected by IBD, both physically and mentally.

Occurrence of Crohn's disease between 2000 and 2017

Occurrence of UC between 2000 and 2017

Alarming study results

Researcher Dominic King, who is presenting the results for the first time at UEG Week, reports: "Based on our research, we expect chronic inflammatory bowel disease to become much more common within the next decade. As there is no known cure for IBD, patients often rely on complex and costly treatments. With regard to the expected increase, the already overburdened health care system could be significantly influenced by this."

"In addition, there is a clear link to colorectal cancer," adds Dr. King. "Patients suffering from Crohn's disease have a 23 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer. In patients with UC, the risk is even increased by 43 percent. Therefore, in connection with the increase in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, there is also a risk of an increased incidence of colorectal cancer."

Salvo Leone, President of the European Federation of Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA), comments on the research: "The study results are alarming, especially in view of the fact that Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are lifelong diseases that can occur in childhood and have a huge impact on patients' quality of life. The cost factors are enormous, both in terms of medical costs and social and family implications. We must focus all our efforts on developing effective treatments that enable patients and their families to lead happier and healthier lives."

Sources:
1. King. D et al. 2019. Incidence and Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the UK between 2000 and 2016 and Associated Mortality and subsequent risk of Colorectal Cancer. Presented at UEG Week October 21, 2019.
2. The European Federation of Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis Associations (EFCCA), Basic Information, Brussels. (ONLINE): Available at: http://www.efcca.org/en/basic-information
3. Burisch. J, Jess. T, Martinato. M, Lakatos. P, on behalf of ECCO-EpiCom (2013). The burden of inflammatory bowel disease in Europe. Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, Volume 4, Issue 4, pp. 322-337.