Abstract
Introduction: The prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) has gradually increased in Asia over the last few decades. However, there is a paucity of data regarding UC in Nepal. This study analyzed the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized with UC.
 Methods: This is a hospital based, cross-sectional study. Data was collected among 100 individuals admitted to the hospital with UC from June 2016 to May 2018. A descriptive analysis of the demographic and clinical characteristics was done.
 Results: Of the 100 patients 51 were male (M:F ratio 1.04:1). Average age at diagnosis was 38}12.53 years. 55% of the patients were Brahmins, 16% Kshetris, 8% Newars, 1% Muslim while the remaining 20% belonged to other indigenous ethnic groups. 79% of the patients were newly diagnosed cases while remaining 21% were admitted for acute flares of the disease. Rectal bleeding (85%) was the most common symptom followed by diarrhea (70%), tenesmus (63%), urgency (61%), pain abdomen (44%), weight loss (14%), fever (7%) and constipation (4%). Clinically, 41% had mild, 46% had moderate and 12% had severe disease activity. Extra intestinal manifestations were seen only in 12% of the patients. On colonoscopic examination, 41% had proctitis, 46% had left sided colitis and 13% had extensive colitis.
 Conclusion: Our study showed some differences in the demographic variables as well as clinical manifestations in the patients when compared to data from the west and even other Asian countries like India and China. Larger population-based studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology and characteristics of the disease in Nepal.
Highlights
The prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) has gradually increased in Asia over the last few decades
A population based study among Indian migrants to the United States found a high prevalence of ulcerative colitis, which support the role of lifestyle and environmental factors.[3]
The first 100 UC patients presenting to the Department of gastroenterology, TUTH were included
Summary
The prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC) has gradually increased in Asia over the last few decades. There is a paucity of data regarding UC in Nepal. PoUlcerative Colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology involving the colonic mucosa, has been increasing in Asian countries over the last few decades. Per 100,000 inhabitants, indicating that the disease frequency may not be much lower than those from developed countries.[4] The true prevalence of UC in developing countries like Nepal remains unknown due to lack of proper national registries and population-based studies. Recent review of Asian data shows a brisk increase in both the incidence and prevalence over the past few decades along with considerable variations in the same among various ethnic groups.[5]
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