| [ Summary ] |
The age distribution of patients with ulcerative colitis is broad and the propotion of elderly patients, l.e., over age 65, is 3.8%. On the other hand, as regards Crohn's disease, the major peak is observed in the 15 to 30 year old group. However, age-specific incidences of both diseases show bimodal curves. There are no marked differences between younger and elderly patients in either clininal presentation or medical treatment. When we treat elderly patients with IBD, we should carefully monitor the response to medical treatment, concomitant illnesses and drugs administered for the treatment of other diseases. In the near future, middle-aged patients will grow older, and the percentage of the elderly population with IBD will increase. |