The prevalence and incidence of peripheral arthritis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, a prospective population‐based study (the IBSEN study)

Abstract

Objectives. To estimate the occurrence of peripheral arthritis (PA) 6 yr after diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods. In a population‐based cohort of 654 patients with a definite diagnosis of IBD, 521 patients (80%) were clinically examined by a rheumatologist 6 yr after IBD diagnosis.

Results. PA related to IBD (PAIBD) was detected at examination in four patients (point prevalence 0.8%). If the patients’ own reports of PA were accepted, 12% of the cases had developed such manifestations. The striking difference may be explained by the nature of PAIBD exhibiting a short‐lasting, self‐limiting, non‐destructive course and by possible differences in the validity of both methods of ascertainment.

Conclusion. Our results indicate that PAIBD occurs in a considerable number of IBD patients during the first years after diagnosis, but the point prevalence of PAIBD is low.

Arthritis, Crohn's disease, Epidemiology, Extra‐intestinal manifestations, Incidence, Inflammatory bowel disease, Peripheral arthropathy, Prevalence, Ulcerative colitis.