COLLAGENOUS COLITIS IN OREBRO, SWEDEN, AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC-STUDY 1984-1993

The incidence and prevalence of collagenous colitis are unknown. An ep idemiological study was undertaken between 1984-93. All patients livin g in the immediate catchment area of Orebro Medical Center Hospital wi th the diagnosis collagenous colitis were identified. Biopsy specimens classified as unspecific intestinal fibrosis were re-examined to iden tify cases not correctly diagnosed at first. Medical records were scru tinised and colorectal biopsy specimens re-evaluated. Thirty patients with collagenous colitis were diagnosed during the study period. The f emale:male ratio was 9:1. The median age at diagnosis was 64 (28-78) y ears. The prevalence at 31 December 1993, was 15.7/10(5) inhabitants ( 95% Cl; 9.8 to 21.6/10(5)). The mean annual incidence during the perio d 1984-93 was 1.8/10(5) inhabitants (95% Cl; 1.2 to 2.4/10(5)). A peak incidence was found in women 70-79 years old. Collagenous colitis occ urs mainly in middle aged women, and the frequency is higher than earl ier anticipated, The prevalence and incidence is similar to primary bi liary cirrhosis. In women 70-79 years of age, the incidence for collag enous colitis approaches the incidence for ulcerative colitis.