Endoscopy and Imaging Modalities/Basic Science of Gastrointestinal Disorders/Miscellaneous : Changing Pattern Of Digestive And Liver Disease In Korea, 1990-2006 Year; A Single Center Study

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Background/Aims: Westernization in many Asian countries have changed lifestyles and diets, so once rare diseases have now become prevalent. The aim of this study is to investigate the changing pattern of digestive and liver disease in Korea, from 1990 to 2006. Methods: We extracted data specific gastrointestina (GI) disease based on the International Classification of Diseases code from the in-patients records at the Kangnam St. Mary`s Hospital in 1990, 1996 and 2006. This hospital is a tertiary-care hospital in Seoul, Korea, which has a capacity of 800 beds. Results: The admission rate for GI disease increased between 1990 and 2006. Overall in-patients were 1,623 persons in 1990, 2,368 persons in 1996 and 4,166 persons in 2006. The mean age of in-patients increased as time went by. A stomach cancer was the most common diagnosis during all periods, but its prevalence has decreased. Colon cancer ranked the 7th in 1990, but markedly increased and now ranks the second. The third was a hepatocellular carcinoma. The bile duct and gallbladder cancer, pancreas and esophageal cancer ranking followed with little interval change. In cases of cancer patients, a regular admission dramatically increased for chemotherapy. The number of patients admitted with pre-malignant neoplasm of stomach and colon increased remarkably with the development of endoscopy. The liver transplant, inflammatory bowel discase, and reflux esophagitis emerged form mid-1990s with greater frequencies, yet much below the levels found in the West. The admission rate for peptic ulcer, especially ulcer bleeding remained relatively stable, despite a decreased rate for ulcer perforation. Liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, cholelithiasis with cholecystitis-cholangitis, appendicitis, hemorrhoid and gastritis all decreased. Conclusions: The stomach cancer is the leading cause of admission, despite a recent decline. Colon cancer showed a marked rise. The liver transplant, inflammatory bowel disease and reflux esophagitis were new diagnosis with an increased tendency.