Type 1 diabetes mellitus in Czech children diagnosed in 1990-1997: a significant increase in incidence and male predominance in the age group 0-4 years

Aims To overview total, age-and sex-specific incidence rates of type 1 diab etes mellitus and their trends in Czech children 0-14 years of age in the p eriod of 1990-197. Methods Type 1 DM cases were ascertained by two independent sources, data o f general population were obtained from the annual demographic reports of t he State Statistic Bureau. Incidence rates were computed using both ascerta inment sources combined. Results In the study period 1.1.1990-31.12.1997, the total incidence was 10 .1 (95% CI 9.6-10.6) per 100 000/year in both sexes, 10.0 (95% CI 9.4-10.7) in boys, and 10.2 (95% CI 9.5-11.0) in girls. The total age-standardized i ncidence was 9.9 (95% CI 9.4-10.4). The total incidence had a significant i ncreasing trend over the study period (P = 10(-4), annual increment 4.3%). A significant increasing trend was also found in the groups of children 0-4 (P = 0.033, increment 6.9%) and 5-9 years at diagnosis (P = 0.038, increme nt 4.8%). Statistically significant male predominance was observed in the g roup diagnosed at age 0-4 years (boys/girls ratio of incidence 1.33, P = 0. 035). Conclusions We report the first population-based epidemiological data on in cidence of childhood type 1 DM in the Czech Republic. The incidence has inc reased significantly during the last years. The present incidence is at an intermediate level compared to other European countries.