Vertebral fractures and role of low bone mineral density in Crohn's disease.

Background & Aims: Vertebral fractures in Crohn's (CD) patients with low bone mineral density (BMD) have been documented as between 14%-22%. Vertebral fractures in CD patients with normal BMD have not been reported. The objectives were to identify the prevalence of vertebral fractures in CD patients and associated predictive factors.

Randomized trial of etidronate plus calcium and vitamin D for treatment of low bone mineral density in Crohn's disease.

Background & Aims: Crohn's disease causes an increase in osteopenia and osteoporosis. This study assessed the efficacy of adding etidronate to calcium and vitamin D supplementation for treatment of low bone mineral density in Crohn's disease.

Methods: One hundred fifty-four patients with Crohn's disease with decreased bone mineral density, determined by using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, were randomly assigned to receive etidronate (400 mg orally) or not for 14 days; both groups were then given daily calcium (500 mg) and vitamin D (400 IU) supplementation for 76 days.

Bones and Crohn's: risk factors associated with low bone mineral density in patients with Crohn's disease.

Previous studies have confirmed that the prevalence of decreased bone mineral density is elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in a cross-sectional outpatient population of 242 adult patients with Crohn's disease and to determine which clinical characteristics and serum and urine biochemical factors might be predictive of bone loss. Thirty-seven percent had normal bone density, 50.

The frequency of vitamin D deficiency in adults with Crohn's disease.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a putative, pathogenic cofactor in the increase in osteopenia and osteoporosis seen in patients with Crohn's disease.

Objective: To determine the frequency of low serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25-OHD) levels and the associated alterations in bone mineral density in a cohort of adults with Crohn's disease.

Methods: 25-OHD levels were determined in 242 consecutive patients with Crohn's disease seen in two tertiary inflammatory bowel disease referral centres.