A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of calcium supplementation for decreased bone density in corticosteroid-using patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study

Review article: bone and joint diseases in inflammatory bowel disease

The intestinal and articular systems are closely linked in inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical and immunological studies support an important aetio-pathogenetic link between intestinal and articular inflammation. There is increasing evidence for a negative link between bone mass density and intestinal inflammation. This paper will focus on the prevalence, aetio-pathogenesis and treatment of arthritis (peripheral, sacroiliitis and spondylitis) and osteoporosis in inflammatory bowel disease.