High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and osteoporosis in inflammatory bowel disease patients

Abstract

Objectives Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of immune-mediated diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract. There is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis in patients of IBD. It is not known whether vitamin D deficiency is a predisposing factor or a consequence of IBD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D status and osteoporosis in IBD patients. Materials and methods A total of 34 patients of IBD, 22 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 12 Crohn's disease (CD), were recruited in a retrospective cross-sectional study. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D was assessed by the chemiluminescent assay. Bone mineral density was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan of the lumbar spine and left hip joint. Results There is a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (deficiency and insufficiency) in patients of IBD (94.2%). There are no significant differences in vitamin D deficiency with respect to IBD subtype (UC or CD), patient sex, or disease activity. Bone mineral density is reduced in IBD patients irrespective of the disease subtype (UC or CD) or steroid therapy. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in IBD patients. Vitamin D deficiency is not associated with patient sex, disease subtype, or activity. Osteoporosis is prevalent in IBD patients irrespective of steroid therapy or IBD subtype.