Clinical Features and Epidemiological Data on Crohn's Disease in the Basle Area

Abstract

The mean incidence of Crohn's disease in the stable population in the area of Basle in Switzerland is 1.6/100,000/year for the 10-year period from 1960 to 1969. There has been an increase in the incidence during the last 3 years to 2.6/100,000/year, whereas the mean for the years prior to 1967 is 1.1/100,000/year. The mean mortality rate is 0.14/100,000/year. In a series of 110 patients the terminal ileum alone was involved in 37 cases. In all the other patients, especially in elderly people, colonic lesions predominate. Owing to atypical initial symptoms and the occasional absence of abdominal signs, the diagnosis of Crohn's disease is frequently initially missed. The correct diagnosis was established within the year following the onset of symptoms in 60 of 93 cases.

Key-words:

• Enterocolitis, regional
• epidemiology
• mortality