Do guidelines for the treatment of osteoporosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) matter?

Jul 10 2006

A new study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology examined the recently set Guidelines regarding the treatment and management of osteoporosis in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and found that they are effective.

Osteoporosis is often the result of a common treatment for IBD and it was found that the guidelines can directly influence and improve the care for patients by providing an earlier diagnosis. The guidelines recommend DEXA scans, a type of X-ray, as an effective, noninvasive screening tool to diagnose osteoporosis. For patients with IBD, an earlier diagnosis can allow more preventative measures against osteoporosis and the risk of bone fractures.

So far, use of these guidelines has been below standard. "First, despite a direct mailing, only 35% of gastroenterologists admitted to reading the Guidelines by 6 months." While fracture risk in patients with IBD may be increased, the findings suggest that more widespread application of the Guidelines may lead to earlier intervention and improved bone health in IBD patients.