New York, NY – July 10, 2006 – A new study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology examined the recently set Guidelines regarding the treatment and management of osteoporosis in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and found that they are effective.
Osteoporosis is often the result of a common treatment for IBD and it was found that the guidelines can directly influence and improve the care for patients by providing an earlier diagnosis. The guidelines recommend DEXA scans, a type of X-ray, as an effective, noninvasive screening tool to diagnose osteoporosis. For patients with IBD, an earlier diagnosis can allow more preventative measures against osteoporosis and the risk of bone fractures.
So far, use of these guidelines has been below standard. "First, despite a direct mailing, only 35% of gastroenterologists admitted to reading the Guidelines by 6 months." While fracture risk in patients with IBD may be increased, the findings suggest that more widespread application of the Guidelines may lead to earlier intervention and improved bone health in IBD patients.
This study is published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. Media wishing to receive a PDF of the study please contact:
medicalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net .
Arthur Asher Kornbluth, MD is an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at The Mount Sinai Medical Center and School of Medicine in New York City, and the Director of Professional Education of the IBD Center at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Kornbluth can be reached for questions or interview at akornbluth@aol.com.
For more information, please visit:
www.blackwellpublishing.com/ajg
http://www.acg.gi.org/