Steep increase in day-patient admissions for chronic enteritis

Out-patient hospital admissions are becoming more and more common. The number of out-patient hospital admissions for chronic enteritis (e.g. Crohn’s disease) has risen far above average. The amount of day treatments among 20 to 65-year-olds is much higher than in other age categories.

Increase in out-patient treatments since 2002

The number of out-patient hospital treatments has grown considerably in recent years. The number of out-patient treatments for chronic enteritis has increased even faster, from 0.4 per 10 thousand persons in 1993 to 21.2 per 10 thousand persons in 2011. This rapid growth has occurred since 2002. The amount of in-patient hospital admissions (usually more than one day) for chronic enteritis, has not risen so rapidly, i.e. from 2.2 per 10 thousand persons in 1993 to 3.4 per 10 thousand persons in 2011.

Hospital admissions for chronic enteritis (standardised)

Hospital admissions for chronic enteritis (standardised)

More day treatments per patient

Several factors play a part in the increase in day treatments for chronic enteritis. The number of people admitted in hospital for treatment of chronic enteritis, for example, has grown since 2002, but the number of out-patient treatments has risen more than three times as fast as the number of patients admitted in hospital. Currently, chronic enteritis patients are often admitted in hospital several times a year for day treatment.

Endoscopy and medication administered through a drip

The increase in the number of out-patient treatments is partly due to improvement of the diagnosis method and the size of the inflammations. The disease is more often diagnosed by means of an endoscopy during an out-patient hospital admission. Since 2009, there has been an increase in the administration of so-called biologicals through drips. This method has become quite common, in particular if there is a severe inflammatory reaction. They stimulate an anti-inflammatory reaction and reduce complaints like diarrhoea and stomach ache.

Most out-patients aged between 20 and 65

The number of 20 to 65-year-old patients admitted to hospital for day treatment of chronic enteritis is considerably higher than in other age categories, because chronic enteritis is usually diagnosed in young adults and middle-aged persons. Chronic enteritis is often less active in older people.

Day treatments for chronic enteritis by age, 2011

Day treatments for chronic enteritis by age, 2011

Janneke van den Akker-Ploemacher