The frequency of osteoporosis screening in men with inflammatory bowel disease.

Osteoporosis is underdiagnosed in men, and osteoporosis-related fractures carry high morbidity and mortality. Recent recommendations on osteoporosis screening in men from the American College of Physicians state that screening and risk factor assessment need to occur earlier in men at high risk. Men with inflammatory bowel disease are at high risk for osteoporosis and fragility fractures due to corticosteroid use, malabsorption from intestinal resection, potential vitamin D deficiency, and fluctuations in weight. This study examines the rate of corticosteroid use, vitamin D screening, and bone mineral density screening of men with inflammatory bowel disease in a gastroenterology practice. The vast majority of men with inflammatory bowel disease are at high risk for osteoporosis. Screening and risk factor assessment should be emphasized.