The elderly inflammatory bowel disease patient and osteoporosis

ISSN： 1745-509X

Source： Aging Health, Vol.8, Iss.1, 2012-02, pp. : 31-42

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Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk of osteoporosis by multiple mechanisms. The risk of osteoporosis-related fractures weighs heavily on the elderly inflammatory bowel disease population, due to the combination of aging and menopause on the underlying disease-associated risk. Risk factors are reviewed, as well as pathophysiologic mechanisms including inflammation, malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies, and use of glucocorticoid therapy. New data concerning vitamin D and the inflammatory disease is highlighted. Current recommendations concerning screening for bone disease in inflammatory bowel disease patients are reviewed. Therapy with vitamin D, calcium and bone-specific agents such as bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy, calcitonin and teriparatide are discussed, as well as potential benefits of direct treatment of the inflammation.