Seasonal variation in occurrence of ischemic colitis: a retrospective study

Abstract

ObjectivesWe aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of ischemic colitis (IC) and to investigate the occurrence of seasonal variation.MethodsFrom January 2008 to December 2014, 368 had IC as the reason for their admission. A total of 364 patients were enrolled in this study. We investigated patient characteristics and seasonal variations in incidence.ResultsThe mean age (±standard deviation) of patients with IC at diagnosis was 66.8 (±16.9) years. Most patients had abdominal pain (341 cases), hematochezia (337 cases), and diarrhea (199 cases) as their chief complaints. The clinical courses of the disease were classified as transient (294 cases), stricture (17 cases), gangrenous (2 cases), and indeterminate types (51 cases). Although IC tended to occur less frequently in winter, the seasonal difference was not significant.ConclusionThere is currently no evidence for seasonal variation in hospital admissions for IC.

National trends in hospitalizations for gastrointestinal bleeding in Japan

“…(39) On the contrary, colonic diverticular bleeding and ischemic colitis show a decrease in incidence during the summer months. The seasonal influence on colonic diverticular bleeding and ischemic colitis is less clear, (40)(41)(42) with factors such as climate and lifestyle, as well as dietary elements like certain vitamins, playing roles. This suggests that mechanisms other than cold stress, which is significant in PUD, might be at play.…”

“…This suggests that mechanisms other than cold stress, which is significant in PUD, might be at play. (39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44) The complexity and variability of these findings underscore the importance of further research to elucidate the seasonal patterns of GIB more clearly.…”