From Axial Spondyloarthritis to Osteoporosis - Spectrum of Skeletal Involvement in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Abstract

From Axial Spondyloarthritis to Osteoporosis - Spectrum of Skeletal Involvement in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Abstract. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are frequently accompanied by non-inflammatory joint pain and inflammatory spondyloarthritides. Spondyloarthritides can restrict joint function and typically manifest with inflammatory back pain with nightly pain and morning stiffness that improves upon exercising. In other patients, small or large peripheral joints are predominantly involved. Treatment comprises pain medication including COX-II selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), since non-selective NSAID can aggravate IBD. For axial manifestations, physiotherapy and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are effective, while for peripheral manifestations steroid injections, sulfasalazine and TNF inhibitors are useful. Osteopenia and osteoporosis may result from inflammation, malabsorption and/or steroids. Long-lasting disease activity or steroid treatment should prompt osteoporosis screening. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake must be ensured and treatment with bisphosphonates evaluated.