[Osteopenia in patients with Crohn disease].

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are frequently reported during chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, particularly in Crohn disease (CD).

AIM: To determine the frequency of osteoporosis and osteopenia of patients with CD and to study associated risk factors.

METHODS

A forward-looking study was performed about 56 cases of CD, 34 men and 22 women, aged 32 + 10.4 years (18-54 years), with no other disorders affecting osseous metabolism. A biphotonic X-rays absorptiometry densitometry (DEXA) was performed at femoral neck and lumbar spine. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed to check for risk factors in osseous mineral density.

RESULTS

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are noticed with respective frequency of 35.7 % and 23.2 %. A statistically significant association is found between low osseous density on one hand and physical mass index (IMC), localisation on large bowel of the disease and corticotherapy on the other hand. The IMC was a risk factor independent from the two other factors. Under nutrition, with IMC < 18 kg / m C, was observed at 21 patients. It was associated to a pathological densitometry in 76.2 % of cases, versus 48.6 % in patients having an IMC > 18 kg/m (p = 0.03, Odds ratio = 3.4).

CONCLUSION

Among risk factors involved in the osteoporosis during CD, the nutritional status plays an important role which must be taken into account in the treatment of these patients.