Study shows an increase in the prevalence of digestive diseases

Study shows an increase in the prevalence of digestive diseases

Data from a new pan-European study on the burden of digestive disease, presented today at UEG Week 2022 and published in the United European Gastroenterology Journal, highlights a worrying increase in the prevalence of several digestive diseases since 2000. These include chronic liver disease, pancreatitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, vascular intestinal diseases and celiac disease in children. Furthermore, the incidence and mortality rates for all digestive cancers combined increased by 26% and 17%, respectively, during the period 2000–2019.

The report notes that digestive diseases affect over 300 million people in Europe and the Mediterranean and that the associated economic costs are significant. The incidence and prevalence of many digestive diseases is highest in the very young and elderly, and as the European population ages this disease burden is bound to increase.

The age-standardized incidence and mortality of liver and pancreatic cancers have been shown to increase in most European countries since 2000, with alcohol consumption, obesity and other modifiable lifestyle factors identified as major causes of a large proportion of the overall burden of these digestive disorders. The increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in young adults is also a cause for concern.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool, UK, who conducted the study on behalf of UEG, observed increasing trends across the continent in the burden of digestive disease due to high body mass index (BMI). And although some progress has been made in reducing the alcohol-related burden since 2000, alcohol consumption remains a significant contributor to the burden of disease. One positive news from the study is the decline in the health burden of smoking in almost all European countries, based on national intervention strategies.

A key factor highlighted in the report is that population-level social and economic differences between countries explain much of the variation in the burden of digestive diseases, with more disadvantaged countries facing a greater burden of most digestive diseases as measured by the Human Development Index.

Regarding the economic burden of digestive diseases, the UEG report notes that the estimated cost of inpatient healthcare (excluding treatment and diagnostics) for digestive diseases averaged 0.12% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the 31 countries included in the study. This results in a potential cost across the EU of around $20 billion in 2021.

“The health, economic and social burden of digestive diseases is increasing alarmingly,” says Helena Cortez-Pinto, President of the UEG. “Our health systems and economies are already in a fragile state and urgent action is needed to address these burdens through public education, lifestyle adjustments and research to reverse these alarming trends.”

According to the report, if premature mortality related to digestive diseases could be reduced by 25% in the 31 European countries (in 2019), the estimated savings from avoiding productivity losses would total €11.4 billion. This increases to €22.8 billion and €34.2 billion with cuts of 50% and 75% respectively.

The burden of digestive diseases, as measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), tends to be higher in Central and Eastern European countries than in Western and Southern Europe, particularly chronic liver disease, pancreatitis, gastritis and duodenitis, as well as vascular bowel disease and peptic ulcer disease.

Large health inequalities remain across Europe and, given emerging economic challenges, we expect these inequalities to become even worse. Unfortunately, despite their significant prevalence and global impact, many digestive diseases remain poorly understood and receive relatively little political or financial attention.”

Luigi Ricciardiello, Chairman of the Research Committee, United European Gastroenterology

UEG conducted a similar study in 2014 that highlighted similar exposures. The results of this latest LEL study, with limited improvements since then, will help accelerate progress in reducing the burden of digestive disorders. It will also help identify priority areas where research and investment is needed across Europe and in individual countries.

Tanith Rose, principal investigator of the UEG-commissioned study, concludes: "The lack of progress over the past two decades in reducing the incidence of digestive diseases highlights the need for greater adoption of effective prevention strategies. Social and economic factors contribute to important disparities." the burden of most digestive diseases, and efforts to reduce the burden that do not take these factors into account are likely to have limited success.”

Source:

United European Gastroenterology

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