Young Adults With Well-Controlled Crohn Disease May Exhibit Muscle Deficits

In a new study, young adults with well-controlled childhood-onset Crohn disease (CD) showed no abnormal bone microarchitecture or geometry at the distal femur, but they did demonstrate deficits in muscle mass and function.

“Muscle–bone deficits are common in pediatric [CD]; however, few studies have assessed long-term musculoskeletal outcomes in adults with childhood-onset [CD],” the researchers wrote.

The study included 27 young adults with well-controlled CD (median age, 23.2 years) and 27 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. The researchers assessed bone microarchitecture, cortical geometry and muscle area, and adiposity at the distal femur and bone marrow adiposity at the lumbar spine using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, they assessed muscle function and biomarkers of the muscle-bone unit.

The researchers found no differences in trabecular microarchitecture, cortical geometry, or bone marrow adiposity among young adults with CD compared with healthy control subjects. However, participants with CD had lower muscle area and higher muscle fat fraction at the distal femur. Additionally, grip strength and relative muscle power were lower among those with CD. 

“Low muscle mass in this population may augment the deleterious effects of disease on muscle-bone in the longer term, and strategies to improve muscle mass and function warrant future investigation,” the researchers wrote.

—Jolynn Tumolo

Reference:

Steell L, Johnston BA, Dewantoro D, et al. Muscle deficits with normal bone microarchitecture and geometry in young adults with well-controlled childhood-onset Crohn’s disease. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020;32(12):1497-1506. doi:10.1097/MEG.0000000000001838