EpidemIBD: rationale and design of a large-scale epidemiological study ofinflammatory bowel disease in Spain

Background:Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with a considerable burden to thepatient and society. However, current data on IBD incidence and burden are limitedbecause of the paucity of nationwide epidemiological studies, heterogeneous designs, anda low number of participating centers and sample size. The EpidemIBD study is alarge-scale investigation to provide an accurate assessment of the incidence of IBD inSpain, as well as treatment patterns and outcomes.Methods:This multicenter, population-based incidence cohort study included patients aged>18 years with IBD (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or unclassified IBD)diagnosed during 2017 in 108 hospitals in Spain, covering 50% of the Spanish population.Each participating patient will attend 10 clinic visits during 5 years of follow up.Demographic data, IBD characteristics and family history, complications, treatments,surgeries, and hospital admissions will be recorded.Results:The EpidemIBD study is the first large-scale nationwide study to investigate theincidence of IBD in Spain. Enrollment is now completed and 3627 patients are currentlybeing followed up.Conclusions:The study has been designed to overcome many of the limitations of previous Europeanstudies into IBD incidence by prospectively recruiting a large number of patients fromall regions of Spain. In addition to epidemiological information about the burden ofIBD, the 5-year follow-up period will also provide information on treatment patterns,and the natural history and financial burden of IBD.