Hospitalizations for Crohn's Disease - United States, 2003-2013

What is already known about this topic? Hospital discharges for a first-listed diagnosis of Crohn's disease increased from 1993 to 2004, despite new therapies that were expected to improve remission and reduce hospitalizations. What is added by this report? Hospitalizations for a first-listed diagnosis of Crohn's disease did not change from 2003 to 2013. In addition, inpatient surgical procedures for small bowel resection declined, whereas those for colorectal resection or fistula repairs remained stable. It is unclear whether these trends indicate the beginning of a reversal of the increases in hospitalizations and surgical procedures observed in the years leading up to study period. The increase in hospitalizations for any-listed diagnosis of Crohn's disease might represent greater physician awareness and diagnosis of the condition. State-specific estimates suggest geographic variation in hospitalizations. What are the implications for public health practice? Because the risk factors are not known, public health prevention programs are not possible. However, stress reduction and smoking cessation might be beneficial in ameliorating disease severity among patients with Crohn's disease. Professional education should continue to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease, and improve diagnosis and management of the disease.