Clinical Report: Treatment Trends for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in South Korea

Overview

This study analyzes treatment patterns for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among adults and children in South Korea, revealing significant differences in disease onset and treatment initiation.

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that can lead to severe complications and significant healthcare burdens. The rising prevalence of IBD, particularly among younger populations, necessitates a thorough understanding of treatment patterns.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Pediatric patients represent a higher proportion of Crohn's disease cases (71.6%) compared to adults (24.8%).
• Patients with pediatric-onset IBD show a significant burden of comorbidities, with 41.7% in UC and 46.4% in CD having ≥2 comorbidities.
• The median time to advanced treatment initiation is shorter in pediatric patients compared to adults (4.2 months vs. 9.6 months for CD).
• Cumulative persistence at 12 months for advanced agents in adults ranges from 76.9% to 88.5%.
• Only TNF-alpha inhibitors are currently approved for pediatric use.

Clinical Implications

Understanding the differences in treatment patterns between pediatric and adult IBD patients can inform tailored management strategies. The findings suggest a need for expanded therapeutic options for pediatric patients to improve treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

This nationwide evaluation highlights the importance of considering age and disease subtype in IBD treatment strategies. The study's findings may contribute to future discussions on optimizing care for both pediatric and adult patients.

Related Resources & Content

1. Evolving Patterns of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among Pediatric and Adolescent Populations, Springer, 2024 -- Evolving Patterns of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among Pediatric and Adolescent Populations
2. Treatment Approaches for Crohn's Disease in Pediatric and Adult Populations in the United States: A Real-World Analysis, Springer, 2025 -- Treatment Approaches for Crohn's Disease in Pediatric and Adult Populations in the United States: A Real-World Analysis
3. Escalating anti-tumour necrosis factor exposure with reductions in surgical resection rates in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease: an 18-year real-world population-based cohort study, BMJ Open Gastroenterology, -- Escalating anti-tumour necrosis factor exposure with reductions in surgical resection rates in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease: an 18-year real-world population-based cohort study
4. Management of paediatric ulcerative colitis, part 1: Ambulatory care—An updated evidence‐based consensus guideline from the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation, PMC, -- Management of paediatric ulcerative colitis, part 1: Ambulatory care—An updated evidence‐based consensus guideline from the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation
5. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis — Childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease and chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis: a Swedish nationwide cohort study 2002-2022
6. American Gastroenterological Association streamlines Crohn’s disease treatment guidance as new therapies expand options
7. https://academic.oup.com/ecco-jcc/article/20/7/jjag066/8726617
8. Management of paediatric ulcerative colitis, part 1: Ambulatory care—An updated evidence‐based consensus guideline from the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation - PMC