Bone mineral density in children suffering from inflammatory bowel disease

Purpose: Osteopenia and osteoporosis are quite common and could be dangerous condition in children suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We measured the bone density of children suffering from IBD cared in gastroenterology ward. The main aim of the study was to exam the general state of the patients.

Patients: The results of the bone densitometry of 21 children were analyzed. The examination was carried out on the lumbal vertebra and on the left hip bone by applying HOLOGIC QDR 45000C axial and DXA computer.

Results: According to our actual results in 15 of 21 patients abate bone mineral density is present. We found normal price for age on lumbal spine and hips in six children. In six cases we certificated osteoporosis. We couldn't find any pathological fracture

The time passed between the diagnosis was set up, that was the start of the treatment and densitometry alfornated between 1 month and 4,5 years. This fact did not have any affect on the results despite of rost of our patients were given steroid treatment at the acute episodes besides the sustaining therapy.

Conclusions: In children suffering from IBD the reduced bone mineral density is quite common, but we hasn't find any pathological bone fracture. We would like to emphasize that our investigation was retrospective and the DEXA was done not at the diagnosis but during the treatment in various date. So it is very difficult to decide whether the debate bone mineral density is the extraintestinal manifestation of the disease or the result of combination of treatments. According to our opinion, DEXA examination will have to be an essential routine method for patients additionally to the values of calcium-homeostasis, to have the possibility to start the substitution treatment in time.