Steroids were more often being used in the treatment of IBD patients who had fractures than in patients with no fractures, though the finding did not quite reach statistical significance (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.99-2.20; P = .057).
Prior studies of fracture risk in IBD have shown “controversial results,” according to Dr. Komaki and colleagues. Some of those studies suggest an increased risk of fractures, whereas others suggest the risk is not different from what is seen in the general population.
“Individual studies may be underpowered to detect any risk,” they said in the report.
Steroids have been shown to increase risk of spine and rib fracture, but whether those earlier studies apply in IBD is unclear, they noted.