Is there a change in the incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases in eastern Europe?

Limited data are available on the epidemiology of IBD in East European countries. According to the initial studies the incidence and prevalence of IBD were much lower compared to Western Europe. The aim of the study was to summarize the available data on the frequency of IBD in this region. Methods: The authors performed a detailed MEDLINE and EMBASE search and identified all available studies on the epidemiology of IBD in East Europe. Additionally, some experts from these countries were personally contacted. Results: Most of the studies were retrospective or hospital based case-series from secondary and tertiar…