Epidemiology of Crohn's disease in southern Israel
Odes, H.S.; Locker, C.; Neumann, L.; Zirkin, H.J.; Weizman, Z.; Sperber, A.D.; Fraser, G.M.; Krugliak, P.; Gaspar, N.; Eidelman, L.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 89(10): 1859-1862
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9270 PMID: 7942683 Document Number: 428245
Objectives: Crohn's disease in Israel was described in the past as being of low incidence, more common in Europe-America-born Jews than other Jews, and of uncharacteristically low morbidity. However, recent experience has suggested that these premises are no longer correct. Methods: The records of all hospital and outpatient cases of Crohn's disease in southern Israel for the period 1968-1992 were reviewed. Private family practitioners and specialists were contacted to assure complete case ascertainment. Results: The prevalence rate of Crohn's disease among Jews on December 31, 1992, was 50.6/10-5 (Asia-Africa-born Jews 55.0/10-5, Europe-America-born Jews 58.7/10-5), and the rate was 8.2/10-5 among Bedouin Arabs. The annual incidence rate (1987-1992) was calculated as 4.2/105/yr in Jews (Asia-Africa-born 4.6/10-5/yr, Europe-America-born 3.9/ 10-5/yr). The age of presentation declined progressively over the study period, was lower in Israel-born patients than immigrants, and was lower in ileocolonic versus other sites of disease. Conclusions: The data show that Crohn's disease has become more common in Jews in Israel, losing ethnic differences of frequency, and that it occurs at a younger age than before. In Arabs, the disease is more rare.