The presentation and management of juvenile-onset chronic inflammatory bowel disease in northeastern Scotland

Citation

Watson A, Johnston AT, Barker PM, Youngson GG, Bisset WM & Mahomed AA (2002) The presentation and management of juvenile-onset chronic inflammatory bowel disease in northeastern Scotland. Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 37 (1), pp. 83-86. https://doi.org/10.1053/jpsu.2002.29434

Abstract
Purpose: This study reviews the presentation and management of juvenile onset chronic inflammatory bowel disease and identifies changes in incidence of the disease over a 20-year period. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all patients aged 16 and under with chronic inflammatory bowel disease diagnosed in 1 health region between 1980 and 1999. The patients were identified from computer records and the following variables studied: age, sex, mode of presentation, medical and surgical management, and length of follow-up. Results: One hundred seven patients were identified: 77 with Crohn's disease and 30 with ulcerative colitis. The incidence of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease has risen from 0.7 in 100,000 and 2.2 in 100,000, respectively, in the years 1980 through 1989 to 1.5 in 100,000 and 4.4 in 100,000 in the period 1990 through 1999. The median age at presentation was 10.1 years for ulcerative colitis and 10.8 years for Crohn's disease. The majority of disease was diagnosed within 1 year of the onset of symptoms, which were principally abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. The average length of follow-up was 6.9 years. Analysis of the surgical management of Crohn's patients has shown a low rate of surgical intervention. Conclusions: This study has shown an increasing incidence of chronic inflammatory bowel disease in the Grampian region of Scotland coupled with a low rate of surgical intervention in Crohn's disease. These findings could be the result of early referral and diagnosis, with the disease being documented earlier in its course or more aggressive preemptive medical therapy

Keywords
inflammatory bowel disease; Crohn's disease; ulcerative colitis

Journal
Journal of Pediatric Surgery: Volume 37, Issue 1

People

Mr Angus Watson

Honorary Professor, Health Sciences Highland