Global, regional, and national burden of inflammatory bowel disease from 1990 to 2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease 2021

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) imposes a significant economic and social burden. We aimed to assess the burden of IBD globally, regionally, and nationally. Methods: The incidence, mortality, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life year were obtained from Global Burden of Disease 2021. Estimated annual percentage change, average annual percent change, and age-period-cohort model were used to access trends. Associations between age-standardized rate (ASR) and socio-demographic index were explored. Predictions were made using Bayesian age-period-cohort model and Nordpred. Results: In 2021, IBD affected 3.8 million people, with ASR of incidence and death of 4.4 and 0.5. The global ASR of incidence increased from 1990 to 2021, while ASR of death, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life year decreased. The age-standardized death rate (ASDR) did not show a significant increase from 2019 to 2021 in most regions and countries. High-incidence regions, such as Western Europe, continued to face significant burdens. East Asian, especially China, was experiencing a sharp increase in incidence. ASR of incidence and death increased with rising socio-demographic index. By 2035, the ASR of incidence and death of IBD will gradually decline. Conclusion: The global burden of IBD remains severe with changing epidemiological trends. Reducing the burden requires changes in public health policies, disease prevention, and healthcare services.