The aim of this study was to determine the nationwide incidence of collagenous and lymphocytic colitis in Iceland and the location of histopathological changes in the large bowel. All pathology reports of patients diagnosed with or suspected of having collagenous colitis or lymphocytic colitis in the period 1995-1999 were identified. All pathology samples were reevaluated using strict diagnostic criteria. After reevaluation 125 patients fulfilled our diagnostic criteria, 71 as collagenous colitis and 54 as lymphocytic colitis. The mean annual incidence for collagenous colitis was 5.2/100,000 inhabitants, and the mean age at diagnosis was 66.1 years. The mean annual incidence for lymphocytic colitis was 4.0/100,000 inhabitants, the mean age at diagnosis was 68.7 years. Both diseases more commonly involved the colon than the rectum. The incidence of collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis is high in Iceland. The mean annual incidence of collagenous colitis is much higher in Iceland than hitherto reported elsewhere.
Background and Aims: The adenoma-carcinoma sequence is the model for colorectal carcinoma (CRC) developing through high-grade dysplasia (HGD) to CRC. The aim was to assess prevalence and location of adenomas found during colonoscopy and risk factors for HGD. Material and Methods: A population-based study using all colonoscopies and polyp specimens registered between 2000 and 2004 in Iceland. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess independent risk factors for HGD. Results: A total of 3,315 adenomas were removed from 2,385 patients. Only 14.0% were >1 cm in size. HGD was found in 135 (4.1%) of the adenomas and tubulovillous/villous histology in 15.0%. The prevalence of adenomas in the 50- to 69-year age group was 15.5%, and 21.5% in the >/=70-year group. 60.9% of them were located distal to the splenic flexure. Independent risk factors for HGD were in the order of importance: size; multiplicity; tubulovillous/villous histology; location in rectum, and age. The prevalence of HGD in the group with an adenoma size of 0.6-1.0 cm was 4.1% and in the 40- to 69-year age group it was 3.7%. Conclusion: The study suggests a potential 15% yield per colonoscopy of adenomas in 50- to 69-year-olds. There is an appreciable risk of HGD in diminutive polyps and in middle age.
We analyzed the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Iceland for the period 1995-2009.
New cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) were retrieved by thorough review of all small and large intestinal pathology reports with any type of inflammation from all the pathology departments in Iceland for the period 1995-2009. All suspicious new cases of IBD were then scrutinized retrospectively by examination of their clinical records.
A total of 1175 cases of IBD were diagnosed, 884 UC, 279 CD and 12 IBD unclassified. The crude annual incidence of UC was 20.5/100,000, increasing from 18.1 the first 5-year period to 22.1 the last 5-year period. The crude annual incidence of CD was 6.5/100,000, 6.7 the first 5-year period and 6.6 the last 5-year period.
This study shows statistically significant increase in the incidence of UC during the study period. The incidence of CD has however remained stable.
Prospective epidemiological studies based on serological methods have shown that celiac disease is more common than previously thought. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of celiac disease among apparently healthy blood donors in Iceland.
Plasma samples were obtained from 813 apparently healthy blood donors at the FSA Hospital Blood Bank in Akureyri, Iceland, between December 2004 and January 2007 and screened for human tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies. Positive samples were retested and, if the test was again positive, the subject was referred to a gastroenterologist for clinical examination and a duodenoscopy with mucosal biopsies.
Six subjects tested positive for tissue transglutaminase. The prevalence of biopsy-confirmed celiac disease, according to modified Marsh classification, among apparently healthy blood donors in Iceland was found to be 1:136 (0.74%, 95% confidence interval 1/667-1/75, 0.15-1.33%).
Prevalence of celiac disease in Iceland is similar to what has been reported in many other countries.
