Epidemiology of perforated colonic diverticular disease

Morris, C. R., Harvey, I. M., Stebbings, W. S. L., Speakman, C. T. M., Kennedy, H. J. and Hart, A. R. (2002) Epidemiology of perforated colonic diverticular disease. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 78 (925). pp. 654-659. ISSN 1469-0756

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Abstract

Perforated colonic diverticular disease results in considerable mortality and morbidity. This review appraises existing evidence on the epidemiology and mechanisms of perforation, highlights areas of further study, and suggests an epidemiological approach towards preventing the condition. Computerised searches were used to identify published articles relating to the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical features of perforated colonic diverticular disease. Several drug and dietary exposures have potential biological mechanisms for causing perforation. Of these only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been consistently identified as risk factors in aetiological studies. The causes of perforated colonic diverticular disease remain largely unknown. Further aetiological studies, looking specifically at perforation, are required to investigate whether cause-effect relationships exist for both drug and dietary exposures. The identification of risk factors for perforation would allow primary public health prevention, secondary risk factor modification, and early prophylactic surgery to be aimed at people at high risk.

Item Type: Article
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Public Health and Health Services Research (former - to 2023)
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Gastroenterology and Gut Biology
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Epidemiology and Public Health
Depositing User: EPrints Services
Date Deposited: 25 Nov 2010 11:10
Last Modified: 11 Mar 2024 17:30
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/13293
DOI: 10.1136/pmj.78.925.654

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