Objective: To report the incidence of Crohn's disease in the city of Cardiff between 1991 and 1995, in relation to the data of the preceding 65 years.
Methods: The incidence of Crohn's disease was studied by collecting information from clinical records, the department of pathology database and a questionnaire sent to local family practitioners.
Results: Eighty-four new patients with Crohn's disease, and resident in Cardiff, were diagnosed between 1991 and 1995. The mean incidence for this quinquennium was 56 cases per 10(6) population per year (95% confidence interval, 44-68). There was a female predominance, particularly in young adults, with an overall male to female ratio of 0.47. Colorectal disease was the most common site of disease at the time of diagnosis.
Conclusions: In relation to the findings of our previous studies, the data suggest that the overall incidence of Crohn's disease is now stable, but that the proportion with colorectal disease continues to increase and there is a marked female preponderance in Crohn's disease presenting in young people.