Epidemiology of Crohn's disease in southern Israel.

Abstract

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 4.2/10(5)/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.