论文部分内容阅读
Background Numerous studies from Europe and North America have provided a wealth of information regarding the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Caucasians. Previous studies in mainland China have been limited by small patient numbers or by lack of detailed information about clinical subgroups of the disease. This study was carried out to assess the demographic and clinical characteristics of IBD in Chinese patients. Methods In the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between 1994 and 2003, 379 patients were diagnosed as IBD. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analysed. Conclusions This study shows similar caracteristics of IBD to that in the West but there are some differences with respect to severity and extraintestinal manifestations. The ethnic and geographic differences may give important clues to the aetiology of IBD.