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Objective Osteoporosis and fractures are frequently encountered in patients with Crohn's disease. In order to prevent fractures, treatment with bone protecting drugs appears warranted early in the course of bone disease when bone loss is not yet prominent. We therefore aimed to demonstrate a beneficial effect on bone density of the bisphosphonate risedronate in osteopenic Crohn's disease patients. Methods This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial of risedronate with calcium and vitamin D supplementation was performed in osteopenic Crohn's disease patients. Patients were treated for 2 years with follow-up after 3 and after every 6 months. Disease characteristics and activity and bone turnover markers were assessed at all visits; dual x-ray absorptiometry was performed at baseline, 12 and 24 months; radiographs of the spine at baseline and 24 months. Results Of 132 consenting patients, 131 were randomised (67 placebo and 64 risedronate). Patient characteristics were similar in both groups, although the risedronate group was slightly heavier (body mass index 24.3 vs 23.0 kg/m2). Bone mineral density at lumbar spine increased 0.04 g/cm2 on average in the risedronate group versus 0.01 g/cm2 in the placebo group (p=0.007). The mean increase in total hip bone mineral density was 0.03 versus 0.01 g/cm2, respectively (p=0.071). Fracture prevalence and incidence were similar. Change of T-scores and concentrations of bone turnover markers were consistent with a beneficial effect of risedronate when compared with placebo. The effect of risedronate was primarily demonstrated in the first 12 months of treatment. No serious unexpected suspected adverse events were observed. Conclusions A 24-month treatment course with risedronate 35 mg once weekly, concomitant with calcium and vitamin D supplementation, in osteopenic Crohn's disease patients improved bone density at lumbar spine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background Adalimumab is effective for the induction and maintenance of remission in Crohn's disease (CD)-patients. Aim To find predictors for adalimumab dose escalation at initiation of adalimumab. Methods Crohn's disease patients in a single tertiary referral centre who started adalimumab between July 2007 and March 2010 at an induction dose (week 0 160 mg subcutaneously (sc), week 2 80 mg sc) and maintenance dose of 40 mg sc thereafter every other week were followed prospectively. Patients on adalimumab for at least 3 months were included. The number of patients needing dose escalation was assessed. Patients that needed dose escalation were compared with patients that did not need dose escalation. Results Of 199 CD patients treated with adalimumab and followed prospectively, 122 patients (M/F 54/68, median age 35 years, range 18-66 years, median CDAI 164, range 6-468) were treated for 3 months. In total 38% of these patients (46/122) needed a dose escalation within a median time of 21 weeks after adalimumab introduction (range 4-105). Body mass index (BMI) ( P < 0.03) and secondary non-response to infliximab (IFX) ( P < 0.06) were identified as predictors for dose escalation. Concomitant use of immunomodulators at initiation of adalimumab and the presence of autoantibodies to IFX did not predict dose escalation. Conclusions Over one-third adalimumab-treated patients are dose escalated within a median of 5 months. Higher BMI and secondary non-response to IFX treatment are predictive for a dose escalation during adalimumab treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]