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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Palm
Ø
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Department of Rheumatology, Østfold Central Hospital, N-1701 Sarpsborg, Norway.
Moum
B
B
Jahnsen
J
J
Gran
J T
JT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001168:Arthritis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires