International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780210102020020921812181ENGastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Poursina Hakim Research Institute for Health Care Development & Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesGastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Poursina Hakim Research Institute for Health Care Development & Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesGastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Poursina Hakim Research Institute for Health Care Development, IsfahanGastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Poursina Hakim Research Institute for Health Care Development, Isfahan20200209<p><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Background</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence has been increased in Iran as a developing<br />country. Surveillance is a standard method for accessing valid data about disease epidemiology to<br />make relevant decisions for disease control, prevention, and management. We designed Isfahan<br />IBD Surveillance Project (IISP) to make a surveillance system in this area. </span></p><p><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Methods</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">The project<br />is designed in 3 phases. At the first phase, a model of step‑wise approach (core, expanded core, and<br />optional variables) for IBD surveillance was designed and implemented among IBD patients registered<br />at a major referral gastrointestinal diseases clinic in Isfahan. Data bank program and its software<br />were designed with suitable and multifunctional features. A total of 352 IBD cases were registered to<br />data bank and analyzed as a pilot study of IISP. </span></p><p><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Results</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">A total of 352 IBD patients, including 245<br />ulcerative colitis (UC), 80 Crohn’s disease (CD), and 27 indeterminate colitis, were registered to the<br />data bank. Bloody stool and abdominal cramp were the most common presentation symptom among<br />UC and CD, respectively. Extensive pancolitis was the most prevalent phenotype (40%) of UC. Over<br />two‑thirds of our IBD patients were in remission states. Biologic agents had been prescribed in about<br />10% of patients during disease. Primary sclerosing cholangitis was detected in about 7% and 10% of<br />CD and UC patients, respectively. </span></p><p><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Conclusions</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle2">Valid data from a standard surveillance system are<br />a relevant, trustworthy tool for making decision by health policy‑makers. Integrated comprehensive<br />interventional programs for disease control and management is the second phase of IISP.<br /></span></p><p><span class="fontstyle0" style="color: #00652e;"><strong>Keywords</strong>: </span><span class="fontstyle3">Colitis, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, Iran, registries, ulcerative</span></p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2181http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2181/717717977