An epidemiological study of ulcerative colitis and regional enteritis in the Oxford area.

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Abstract
An increased incidence is noted for the decade 1951-60, partly through a true increase and partly because of more frequent referrals of patients for steroid therapy. It was slightly higher in females than males in all age groups, was rarely seen in children or adolescents, and increased sharply with age to a peak at 50 years of age and a secondary peak at about 70 years. In persons over 75 incidence was higher than in childhood. No significant geographical or urban-rural variation was found, and there was no definite seasonal trend. No pathogenic bacteria were found in 80% of stools, and negativity could be inferred indirectly from biopsy, surgery or necropsy in another 10%. There was some indication that incidence was greater in the small Jewish population studied. Comparisons of similar data from Norway and New Zealand are made.