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. 2013 Feb;58(2):519-25.
doi: 10.1007/s10620-012-2371-5. Epub 2012 Aug 29.

Recent trends in the prevalence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in a commercially insured US population

Michael D Kappelman  1 , Kristen R Moore, Jeffery K Allen, Suzanne F Cook
Affiliations

Recent trends in the prevalence of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in a commercially insured US population

Michael D Kappelman et al. Dig Dis Sci. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

Purpose: Most US inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) epidemiology studies conducted to date have sampled small, geographically restricted populations and have not examined time trends. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in a commercially insured US population and compare prevalences across sociodemographic characteristics and time.

Methods: Using claims data from approximately 12 million Americans, we performed three consecutive 2-year cross-sectional studies. Cases of CD and UC were identified using a previously described algorithm. Prevalence was estimated by dividing cases by individuals in the source population. Logistic regression was used to compare prevalences by region, age, and sex.

Results: In 2009, the prevalences of CD and UC in children were 58 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 55-60] and 34 (95 % CI 32-36), respectively. In adults, the respective prevalences were 241 (95 % CI 238-245) and 263 (95 % CI 260-266). Data analysis revealed that IBD prevalences have slightly increased over time. Based on census data, an estimated 1,171,000 Americans have IBD (565,000 CD and 593,000 UC).

Conclusions: Analysis of the epidemiological data revealed an increasing burden of IBD in recent years, which may be used to inform policy.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Age-specific prevalence of Crohn’s disease (CD) per 100,000 persons in a commercially insured US population, 2008–2009
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Age-specific prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) per 100,000 persons in a commercially insured US population, 2008–2009
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Standardized prevalence estimates of CD per 100,000 persons in a commercially insured US population by age group, 2004–2009
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Standardized prevalence estimates of UC per 100,000 persons in a commercially insured US population by age group, 2004–2009
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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