Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in Latin America

Abstract

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), namely Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, have increased in Latin America over the past few decades. Although incidence is accelerating in some countries in the region, other areas in Latin America are already transitioning into the next epidemiological stage-ie, compounding prevalence-with a similar epidemiological profile to the western world. Consequently, more attention must be given to the diagnosis and management of IBD in Latin America. In this Review, we provide an overview of epidemiology, potential local environmental risk factors, challenges in the management of IBD, and limitations due to the heterogenity of health-care systems, both public and private, in Latin America. Unresolved issues in the region include inadequate access to diagnostic resources, biological therapies, tight disease monitoring (including treat to target therapy, surveillance and prevention of complications, drug monitoring), and specialised IBD surgery. Local guidelines are an important effort to overcome barriers in IBD management. Advancements in long-term health-care policies will be important to promote early diagnosis, access to new treatments, and improvements in research in Latin America. These improvements will not only affect overall health care but will also lead to optimal prioritisation of IBD-related costs and resources and enhance the quality of life of people with IBD in Latin America.