Asa Everhob, MD, PhD, of Stockholm, Sweden-based Karolinska Institutet, and colleagues conducted a nationwide population-based study of IBD cases from 2006 through 2013. Researchers collected several types of data to determine IBD onset.
Here’s what they found:
1. Of 27,834 patients with IBD, 6,443 had their first diagnosis at 60 years or older. That corresponds to an incidence rate of 35/100,000 person years.
2. During a median follow-up of 4.2 years, elderly patients had less IBD-specific preventive care but more IBD-related hospitalizations.
3. Physicians gave elderly patients fewer biologics or immunomodulators but more systemic corticosteroids.
4. Bowel surgery was more common in elderly patients than adult 18-year-old to 59-year-old patients. Risk increase was larger for younger age groups.
Researchers concluded, “In a nationwide cohort study in Sweden, we associated diagnosis of IBD at age 60 years or older with a lower use of biologics and immunomodulators but higher absolute risk of bowel surgery, compared to diagnosis at a younger age. The large differences in pharmacological treatment of adults and elderly patients are not necessarily due to a milder course of disease and warrant further investigation.”
More articles on gastroenterology:
Last patient completes visit for Immuron’s phase II NASH study — 4 insights
Demonstrating their value — How the Digestive Health Physicians Association is fighting for independent gastroenterology
GI leader to know: Dr. James Singer of Arizona Digestive Health
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.