The incidence of paediatric IBD in Canterbury has increased dramatically during the last 2 decades. Some of the observed incidence rates are among the highest documented anywhere in the world. The preponderance of CD over UC in the present study is the highest published.

Fecal calprotectin levels in children with CF and HC were age-dependent and had distinct trajectories. Careful interpretation of calprotectin is required if used in drug trials for CF, particularly in children less than 4years old.

The point prevalence of pediatric IBD in New Zealand represents the first-ever national, population-based prevalence rates of pediatric IBD published. Results from the Paediatric IBD in New Zealand (PINZ) study are also the first to show markedly higher prevalence rates of IBD in the southern part of a country compared with its northern counterpart. Ongoing prospective ascertainment of the incidence of pediatric IBD is required.

Incidence rates of paediatric IBD in New Zealand are comparable to the highest rates published in the literature from Western Europe and North America. Ongoing prospective ascertainment of the incidence of paediatric IBD is required to better understand the environmental factors, which are accounting for this increase in disease burden.