Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is comprised of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of gut with uncertain etiopathogenesis. According to our previous study (Yang, et al. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008; 14: 542-549), the incidence and prevalence of IBD in Korea are still low compared with those in Western countries, but are rapidly increasing. However, the long-term trends of epidemiology of CD and UC together with their characteristics and prognosis in Korea are uncertain yet. The investigators therefore aim to elucidate the incidence and prevalence of CD and UC over a 30-year period, from 1986 to 2017, in the Songpa-Kangdong district of Seoul, Korea. In addition, the investigators also aim to reveal the clinical features at the time of diagnosis of IBD, long-term evolution of disease and prognosis.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence, prevalence, clinical characteristics and prognosis of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis over time in a district of Seoul, Korea.