Ulcerative Colitis

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients with Crohn's disease at risk for osteoporosis or already having decreased BMD were identified as such and treated with appropriate therapy.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among 54 white patients with Crohn's disease who attended a gastroenterology specialized clinic between January and March 2002.

All patients with Crohn's disease having an outpatient medical visit were asked to participate in the study.

Patients who agreed to the study were questioned for Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) and osteoporosis risk factors such as nutrition, lifestyle, and corticosteroid therapy.

Serum bone-specific markers and nutritional status were assessed.

BMD test of the lumbar vertebrae (L2-L4) and the nondominant hip were assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry if the participants did not have a BMD test in the year prior to the study.

ART and calcium/vitamin D use were assessed through a questionnaire and on community pharmaceutical drug services in the 2 year period prior to the evaluation.

RESULTS: Mean age and CDAI severity score were 41.5 years and 145, respectively.

None of the patients was evaluated for BMD in the year prior to the study.

Osteopenia at the nondominant hip and/or lumbar vertebrae was seen in 29 patient...

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