Burden of Crohn’s Disease in East Asia: A 34-Year Analysis with Projections to 2060

Purpose: Crohn’s disease has transitioned from a rare condition to a significant public health concern in East Asia, yet comparative evidence across countries and long-term projections remain limited. We assess national trends in the burden of Crohn’s disease in China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea from 1990 to 2023 and to estimate future patterns through 2060. Methods: Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. We assessed prevalence, mortality and DALYs, reporting on numbers, rates, age-standardized prevalence rate, age-standardized mortality rate, age-standardized DALYs rate. Decomposition analysis was applied to quantify contributions from population growth, population aging, and shifts in disease epidemiology. Projections for 2024 to 2060 were generated using a Bayesian age–period–cohort model. Results: All three countries experienced substantial increases in Crohn’s disease burden between 1990 and 2023. Prevalence and DALYs was greatest among males aged 50–54. Projections indicated continued increases in disease burden through 2060. China was projected to retain the largest number of prevalent cases by 2060, while total DALYs in Japan and the Republic of Korea were projected to exceed those in China. Conclusion: Crohn’s disease burden has risen steadily across East Asia over the past 34 years, with men and middle-aged and older adults disproportionately affected. These findings highlight the need for country-specific prevention and healthcare strategies. China should prioritize early detection and primary care capacity, while Japan and the Republic of Korea require integrated management and long-term care systems to support aging patient populations.