Inflammatory bowel diseases: Where we are and where we should go

摘要

In Western countries, and especially in the Mediterranean area, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) show an increasing epidemiological trend as measured by incidence per year. Data is more evident for Crohn's disease than for ulcerative colitis, although some differences exist according to geographical area [1]. The causes of the increase are not clear, but dietary habits and environmental or socio-economic factors seem to play an important role in the onset of IBD, especially Crohn's disease [2]. The costs of these chronic diseases are very high as patients require strict monitoring, a continuous use of pharmacological therapy, and often surgical treatment at a rate of 30% for ulcerative colitis and 70% for Crohn's disease.