Bone mineral density and its influential factors in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease

Bone loss is a common morbidity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Bone mineral density (BMD) measurement is recommended for IBD patients at a high risk of osteoporosis. However, there is a lack of evidence in the need of BMD measurement in patients who are young at the first disease onset. In this study we aimed to investigate the prevalence of low BMD in patients with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease (CD) at 20-50 years of age and the potential risk factors.

A single-center, retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Medical records of the patients were reviewed and their demographics, clinical characteristics and laboratory test results were collected. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan was performed for BMD measurements; low BMD was defined as Z-score or T-score <-1.0 standard deviation (SD). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for low BMD.

A total of 221 patients with CD were included; osteopenia and osteoporosis were identified in 23.1% and 8.6%, and 39.4% and 7.2% of the patients using Z-score and T-score, respectively. Female gender and a higher BMI at diagnosis were protective factors for low BMD.

Low BMD is common in patients with newly diagnosed CD aged 20-50 years. Female gender and a higher BMI at diagnosis might protect CD patients from bone loss. Therefore, BMD measurement and early intervention with calcium and vitamin D are recommended for these patients.