Epidemiology of Crohn's disease in southern Israel.

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.