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Diverticulitis became more common in the U.S.
between 1980 and 2007, a new study suggests. The
findings are from a study led by Dr. Adil E.
Bharucha of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota,
but other research indicates that hospitalizations
for diverticulitis also increased in the U.S.
generally during this period.
Data on the incidence and natural history of
diverticulitis are largely hospital-based and
exclude the majority of diverticulitis patients, who
are treated in an outpatient setting for
uncomplicated diverticulitis. Researchers assessed
temporal trends in the epidemiology of
diverticulitis in the general population.
So-called diverticula, which are small pouches along
the large intestine, become more common with age.
The presence of these pouches is called
diverticulosis. If the pouches become inflamed or
infected, the condition is called diverticulitis.
Through the Rochester Epidemiology Project
researchers reviewed the records of all individuals
with a diagnosis of diverticulitis from 1980 to 2007
in Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA.
In 1980–1989, the incidence of diverticulitis was
115/100,000 person-years, which increased to
188/100,000 in 2000–2007 (P<0.001).
Incidence increased with age (P<0.001); however, the
temporal increase was greater in younger people
(P<0.001).
Ten years after the index and second diverticulitis
episodes, 22% and 55% had a recurrence,
respectively. This recurrence rate was greater in
younger people and women.
Complications were seen in 12%; this rate did not
change over time.
Recurrent diverticulitis was associated with a
decreased risk of complications (P<0.001).
Age was associated with increased risk of local
complications.
Survival after diverticulitis was lower in older
people (P<0.001) and men (P<0.001) and worsened over
time (P<0.001).
The incidence of surgery for diverticulitis did not
change from 1980 to 2007.
The incidence of diverticulitis has increased by 50%
1980 and 2007 and more so in younger people.
Complications are relatively uncommon. Recurrent
diverticulitis is frequent but typically
uncomplicated. Younger people with diverticulitis
have less severe disease, more recurrence, and
better survival.
Experts do not know why the incidence of
diverticulitis has been on the rise.
For more information
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
Temporal Trends in the Incidence and Natural History
of Diverticulitis: A Population-Based Study
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