High ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease ratio in a population-based registry from Córdoba, Argentina.

Background: Few studies have described the epidemiology and clinical behavior of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in South America. The aim of this study was to report on the prevalence, phenotype, and treatment of patients with IBD diagnosis in Capital Department of the Province of Córdoba, Argentina.

Methods: Data from adult patients (≥ 18 years-old) with IBD diagnosis that attended 12 public or private centers between 05/2014 and 05/2019 were included in a common registry.

Results: A total of 655 patients were included (females: 53.4%). The ratio of ulcerative colitis (UC) (n = 561) to Crohn's disease (CD) (n = 88) was 6.38, with age-adjusted IBD prevalence being 70.1 (95% confidence interval 70.08-70.12) cases/100,000 habitants. Extraintestinal manifestations were diagnosed in 22.8% of patients, and left-side colitis (46%) was the most frequent extension in UC patients. In CD patients, colonic involvement (55.7%) and non-stricturing/non-penetrating behavior (74%) were the most frequent presentations. Biologic therapy was used in 36.4% of CD patients and 9.1% of UC patients (P<0.001).

Conclusion: In this population registry study, IBD prevalence was similar to that reported in other series in the region. A higher UC/CD ratio was observed due to the lower prevalence of CD compared to similar studies in South America.