The following is a summary of “Descriptive Epidemiology of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Oceania: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” published in the October 2023 issue of Pediatrics by Forbes, et al.
For a study, researchers sought to comprehensively delineate the epidemiology of pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) across Oceania, encompassing incidence and prevalence. Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to provide insights into the prevalence and incidence of IBD, Crohn’s disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC) among children (≤19 years) in the Oceania region.
In October 2022, a thorough search of Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases identified studies reporting rates of IBD in the specified age group. The analysis included various data collection methodologies and pooled incidence, and prevalence estimates were calculated using a random effects model, with I2 measures indicating heterogeneity.
Nineteen articles from 1950 to 2020 contributed to the study, with a predominant focus on Australia and New Zealand. Unfortunately, no studies from the Pacific Islands were identified, highlighting a notable research gap in this region. The pooled estimates for annual incidence per 100,000 person-years were IBD 4.1 (95% CI, 3.4–4.8, I2 = 98.7), CD 2.3 (95% CI, 1.9–2.7, I2 = 98.6), and UC 0.9 (95% CI, 0.6–1.1, I2 = 96.8). Prevalence rates per 100,000 persons were IBD 36.0 (95% CI, 23.5–48.5, I2 = 98.4), CD 23.2 (95% CI, 6.6–39.8, I2 = 97.8), and UC 7.6 (95% CI, 2.7–12.5, I2 = 99.6). The observed heterogeneity among studies, denoted by I2 measures, underscores the variability in pediatric IBD rates across Oceania. Notably, lower rates were observed in indigenous Australian, Māori, and New Zealand Pacific children.
The study revealed the prevalence of pediatric IBD in Oceania and presented high incidence rates, particularly for CD. However, lower rates were noted in specific ethnic groups, emphasizing the importance of considering demographic factors in understanding the epidemiology of pediatric IBD in the region. The absence of data from the Pacific Islands underscores the need for further research to address the gap and enhance the understanding of the prevalence and incidence of pediatric IBD in Oceania.
Source: journals.lww.com/jpgn/abstract/2023/10000/descriptive_epidemiology_of_pediatric_inflammatory.14.aspx
