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Risk of fracture and low bone mineral density in adults with inflammatory bowel diseases. A systematic literature review with meta-analysis

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Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are associated with a decreased bone mineral density, but the impact on fractures is unknown. In our study, global risk of fracture is increased for patients with IBDs versus controls. This result will help to determine the appropriate assessment with early screening and management of osteoporosis. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are associated with a decreased bone mineral density (BMD). However, the impact on fracture risk is unknown and data are contradictory across studies. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the risk of fracture and presence of low BMD in patients with IBDs compared to healthy controls. A systematic search of literature was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane library and abstracts from appropriate scientific congresses. Studies were selected if they compared the incidence of fractures and/or BMD measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in patients with IBDs and healthy sex- and age-matched controls. Data were extracted by two independent investigators. Meta-analysis was performed with the inverse variance approach to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and risk ratios (RRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. On the basis of nine studies, global risk of fracture was increased for patients with IBDs versus controls (RR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.11–1.73; p = 0.005). Fracture risk with IBDs was significantly increased for vertebral fractures (OR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.04–4.90; p < 0.001), but not for any other site. The analysis of 16 studies evaluating BMD showed a significant decrease in mean BMD and Z-scores for IBD patients versus controls at all sites. In our meta-analysis, patients with IBDs have an increased risk of fractures, especially in the spine, and significant decreased BMD at all sites, which suggests the need for identifying high-risk individuals among this population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rheumatology, Lapeyronie Hospital and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France

    P. Szafors, H. Che, J. Morel & B. Combe

  2. Department of Rheumatology, Lapeyronie Hospital and EA2415, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France

    T. Barnetche

  3. Department of Rheumatology, FHU ACRONIM, Pellegrin University Hospital, Bordeaux, France

    C. Gaujoux-Viala

  4. Department of Rheumatology, Nîmes University Hospital and EA2415, University of Montpellier, Nimes, France

    C. Lukas

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  1. P. Szafors
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  2. H. Che
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  5. C. Gaujoux-Viala
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Correspondence to C. Lukas.

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Role of study sponsor

This work was initiated during sessions on performing meta-analyses organised by AbbVie. AbbVie had no role in the study design or in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of the data, the writing of the manuscript, or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. Publication of this article was not contingent upon approval by AbbVie. This study was not financially supported by AbbVie. This work has previously been published as a conference abstract at the 2017 American College of Rheumatology annual meeting.

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Szafors, P., Che, H., Barnetche, T. et al. Risk of fracture and low bone mineral density in adults with inflammatory bowel diseases. A systematic literature review with meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int 29, 2389–2397 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-018-4586-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-018-4586-6

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