The Ninth Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) National Forum Lands in Almaty
Specialists from Kazakhstan and various international locations convened in Almaty to deliberate on inflammatory bowel maladies.
This year's must-attend event in the realm of gastroenterology and related disciplines is unfolding in Almaty, Kazakhstan! A brainchild of the Research Institute of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, the Kazakh Scientific Society for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and bolstered by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, this event has drawn over 300 specialists hailing from across Kazakhstan and beyond – including gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons, therapists, and more.
The timing of the forum coincides with World IBD Day, annually celebrated on May 19.
Specialists attending the event emphasized the significance of recognizing that not only has the incidence of IBD, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and undifferentiated colitises been rising, but also, the mean age of diagnosed patients has been decreasing.
Data supplied by the experts show that, from 2018 to 2023, the number of IBD patients in Kazakhstan has surged:
- The cases of Crohn's disease nearly tripled, climbing from 555 to 1,631.
- Ulcerative colitis cases shot up from 2,218 to 7,305.
In 2024, the rate stood at around 5-10 cases per 100,000 people, with the potential for this figure to keep climbing.
Marat Pasymov, Chairman of the Board of the Research Institute of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, delivered a welcoming address at the 9th National IBD Forum. He underscored the relevance of the challenge for Kazakhstan and the achievements the institute has made in this area.
"For years, our institute has been the coordinating therapeutic center, particularly in the field of gastroenterology. In 2024, a Specialized Center for IBD and Short Bowel Syndrome was opened on our premises, expanding access to top-notch care," said Pasymov.
He further detailed the institute's dedication to specialized endoscopic equipment, including enteroscopy and endo-Ultrasound, as well as expanding the scope of laboratory and morphological diagnostics.
He also highlighted the high-caliber qualifications of the institute's staff and their crucial role in training Kazakhstani doctors in managing intestinal pathology and scientific education activities at the Specialized Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Pasymov discussed the implementation of technologies aimed at diagnosing nutritional deficiencies and appropriate correction.
"Such international scientific-practical events enable the exchange of expertise among specialists, boosting awareness among healthcare providers in the field of IBD," he noted.
Experts at the forum emphasized that the average age for diagnoses in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is typically 35-40 years. Factors contributing to the risk include urbanization, stress, infections, and uncontrolled antibiotic use.
Meanwhile, Aigul Kanatova – a pediatric gastroenterologist and head of the gastroenterology programs at the Clinical-Academic Department of Pediatrics at UMC – reported that children are also affected by these diseases.
The main issue is that the root causes of the disease are not completely known, with potential factors including autoimmune, genetic, and post-infectious elements.
"The significance of the problem is growing every year. Previously, it was assumed that the epidemiological age of children with such diseases was during their teenage years. However, as shown in practice, these diseases can affect younger patients, like infants as young as six months and a year old," said Aigul Kanatova.
Participants at the forum stressed the importance of early diagnosis, accessible cutting-edge diagnostic methods and biological therapy, and a multidisciplinary approach to tackling IBD.
Ultimately, the event served as an influential platform for sharing knowledge and jointly developing solutions intended to enhance the quality of life for IBD patients in Kazakhstan.
Key Takeaways from the Forum:
- The necessity of expanding specialized centers throughout the country and fortifying interdisciplinary cooperation.
- The implementation of clinical guidelines based on international experience.
- The development of continuous professional education programs for doctors.
As the fight against IBD continues, these recommendations are poised to help improve healthcare for patients throughout Kazakhstan!
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- In-depth Insights:
- In recent years, the incidence and prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) have seen a pronounced increase in Kazakhstan.
- This rise in IBD cases could be due to factors such as urbanization, stress, infections, and uncontrolled antibiotic use.
- The early diagnosis and accessibility of high-tech diagnostic methods and biologic therapy are crucial for effective IBD treatment.
- A multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD is essential, involving specialists like gastroenterologists, surgeons, and specialized care providers.
- Continuous professional education for healthcare providers and the development of clinical guidelines based on international best practices are vital to enhancing IBD treatment outcomes in Kazakhstan.
- The surge in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) cases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, in Kazakhstan over the past few years, has raised concerns about the growing burden on a person's digestive health and overall health-and-wellness.
- As Marat Pasymov, Chairman of the Board of the Research Institute of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, highlighted during the 9th National IBD Forum, the focus is on establishing more specialized centers, fostering interdisciplinary cooperation, and ensuring continuous professional education for doctors to combat chronic-diseases like IBD effectively.
- The forum emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, accessibility to advanced diagnostic methods, and the judicious use of biological therapies for managing medical-conditions related to IBD, particularly for children, since the average age for diagnoses in these diseases is typically lower.
