Changes in medical management and colectomy rates: a population-based cohort study on the epidemiology and natural history of ulcerative colitis in Örebro, Sweden, 1963-2010

Abstract

Background: Whether the epidemiology of ulcerative colitis (UC) has changed during recent decades is partly unknown. Aim: To depict temporal trends in the epidemiology and medical treatment of UC as well as the long-term risk of progression in disease extent and colectomy, during 1963-2010. Methods: Patients were identified by evaluation of all medical records in the archive of the Colitis Clinic, Örebro University Hospital. Comparisons were made between three time periods, 1963-1975, 1976-1990 and 1991-2005. Results: The annual age-standardised incidence increased from 3.5 to 18.5 per 100 000 during the study period (P