title: Biphasic annual periodicity in relapses of inflammatory bowel diseases. Gruppo di Studio per le Malattie Infiammatorie Intestinale.
abstract: We evaluate the periodicity in relapses of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in this multicenter prospective study. In 275 relapses among 184 patients with inflammatory bowel disease, a statistically significant biphasic annual periodicity, with peaks in the spring and autumn, was documented only for ulcerative colitis relapses (p = 0.006). This finding may be important in understanding relapse risk factors and in terms of prevention.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medicine, Ospedale Valduce, Como, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Minoli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Imperiali
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Franchis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mortara
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Prada
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rocca
mesh_terms: D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010507:Periodicity; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence