Epidemiology and clinical profile of inflammatory bowel disease in Kuwait: a nationwide tertiary care (SEEF-IBD) study

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to rise globally, with notable shifts in its epidemiological patterns. However, data on characteristics of IBD in Kuwait remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of IBD in Kuwait. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study across all 7 tertiary centers in Kuwait. Data was retrieved between November 2025 and December 2025. The primary objective of this study was to report the demographics patterns and phenotypes of IBD in Kuwait. Secondary outcomes were treatment patterns, history of IBD-related surgeries and extraintestinal manifestations (EIM). RESULTS: A total of 1,944 patients with IBD were included, of whom CD was slightly more common than UC (1,002; 51.5% vs. 894; 46%). Among CD patients, ileocolonic disease (L3) was the predominant phenotype (516; 51.5%), and penetrating disease (B3) accounted for 363 (36.2%). Proportion of male, smoker and younger (< 30 years old) patients was higher in patients with penetrating disease (p < 0.001). In UC, left-sided disease (E2: 390; 43.6%) was the dominant phenotype. Biologics were prescribed in 846 (43.5%) patients. A history of IBD-related surgery was reported in 418 patients (21.5%). EIM were present in 719 patients (37%). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the demographic patterns of IBD in Kuwait, highlighting a higher prevalence of CD, particularly penetrating phenotypes among younger male patients. These findings reflect the evolving burden of IBD in the Middle East and reinforce the importance of timely diagnosis and ensuring access to effective, targeted therapies.