Embargoed for Release Until: Sunday, November 2, 1997, 6:00 p.m. Contact: Marie Kendra Tehonica (202) 973-1361
Study Debunks Common Misconception that Marked Racial Differences Exist in Characteristics of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
November 2, 1997, Chicago, IL -- Data presented to the Annual Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology revealed no statistically significant differences between Caucasians and African Americans in their experience of inflammatory bowel disease ("IBD").
According to physicians at Emory University School of Medicine, marked difference in disease characteristics between African American and Caucasian patients with IBD have been reported, although most reports examine predominantly Caucasian patients. To compare various key parameters of IBD between the races, researchers led by Jeffrie Kamean, MD reviewed records of 88 consecutive IBD patients at Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University Hospital and the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
This analysis found no statistically significant differences in age, sex, disease process, duration or disease location. Further, no significant differences existed between the study's African American and Caucasian patients in their treatment with various drug therapies, including 6 MP, the number of hospitalizations or surgeries for IBD.
Irritable Bowel Disease includes both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis which are chronic disorders that cause inflammation or ulceration of the small and large intestines. Ulcerative colitis causes ulceration and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon and rectum, while Crohn's disease is an inflammation that extends into the deeper layers of the intestinal wall in either the colon or the small intestine. 6-MP is an anti-immune drug which suppresses the body's ability to make antibodies against the disease and is one of several drug regimens used to attempt to induce or to maintain remission once the disease is under control.
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The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners.
Consumers can get more information on GI diseases through the following ACG-sponsored programs:
* 1-800-978-7666 (free brochures on common GI disorders, including ulcers, colon cancer, gallstones and liver disease)
* 1-800-HRT-BURN (free brochure and video on heartburn and GERD)
* www.acg.gi.org (ACG's web site)
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