Bisphosphonates for Low Bone Density in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Screening for bone loss is recommended for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially postmenopausal women, men over 50, and those who have a history of vertebral fractures, glucocorticoid use, or hypogonadism.

To determine the best treatments for IBD patients with low bone density, investigators conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review of 19 randomized, controlled studies involving bisphosphonates (13 studies), fluoride (4), calcium and vitamin D (2), calcitonin (1), and low-impact exercise (1).

Bisphosphonates increased bone density in both the lumbar spine and the hip and were effective in preventing and treating osteopenia and osteoporosis and in preventing bone loss in patients treated with steroids. Bisphosphonate…