Inflammatory bowel disease and the risk of all caused or specific fracture: a meta-epidemiologic study
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the overall and site-specific fracture risk in individuals with IBD through a meta-epidemiologic approach, synthesizing data from cohort studies and providing a comprehensive analysis of fracture risk at different anatomical sites.
Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (inception to April 2025) for cohort studies reporting fracture risk in IBD patients. Eligible studies provided relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval(CI) for all-cause or site-specific fractures. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Random-effects meta-analysis, sensitivity/subgroup analyses, and publication bias assessment (funnel plots, Egger's test) were performed.
Result: Eleven cohort studies (4 prospective, 7 retrospective) from multiple countries were included, involving 2,102 to 54,591 IBD patients. NOS scores ranged from 5 to 8, indicating moderate to high study quality. Pooled analysis showed a 13% increased risk of all-cause fractures in IBD patients (RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.24; I²=70.8%, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed higher fracture risks in Crohn's disease (CD: RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.21-1.25) compared to ulcerative colitis (UC: RR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.13-1.19). Site-specific risks were significantly higher for rib (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.08-1.42; I²=0%, p=0.978), hip (RR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.22-1.59;…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 54,591 participants or records.
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