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[Nutritional deficiencies and complications in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases]
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinikum, Universität Regensburg. herath@t-online.de
Background:
Deficiencies of vitamins and trace elements are frequent in inflammatory bowel disease. Aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the prevalence of these deficiencies and of liver complications in a large population.
Patients And Methods:
The records from 392 out-patients, 279 with Crohn's disease (160 female, 119 male) and 113 with ulcerative colitis (56 female, 57 male) were analyzed.
Results:
Deficiencies were found in 85% of patients with Crohn's disease vs 68% with ulcerative colitis during the course of the disease, predominantly a deficiency of iron and of calcium. Less frequently deficiencies of zinc, protein, cyanocobalamin, and folic acid were found. Elevated liver enzymes were seen in 38% of patients with Crohn's disease vs 27% with ulcerative colitis. In order of frequency: gamma-glutamyl-transferase, ALAT, AP, ASAT, and bilirubin. Gallstones were present in 12% of patients with Crohn's disease and 4% with ulcerative colitis. 6% of patients with Crohn's disease and 4% with ulcerative colitis had kidney stones.
Conclusions:
In view of the high frequency of deficiencies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease it seems to be important to check frequently for extraintestinal complications.