Ulcerative colitis in Malaysians: a review of 23 patients

Twenty-three patients with ulcerative colitis are reported from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sixteen were newly diagnosed over a six-year period between 1982 and 1987. The disease was commoner in men (16 men : 7 women). The peak age of onset was in the third decade. The ethnic distribution of the patients was 10 Malays, eight Indians and five Chinese making the disease relatively commoner amongst Indians. The extent of colonic involvement varied and six (26%) had a total colitis. Extra-intestinal manifestations were seen in seven patients. Diagnosis was delayed for over 10 years in four. Colorectal cancer was not seen. There was no mortality. Ulcerative colitis remains an uncommon disease amongst Malaysians. During the same period, only four male patients with Crohn's colitis were seen.