Changes of OPG and RANKL concentrations in Crohn's disease after infliximab therapy

Aims: Osteoporosis is a well known complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Osteoprotegerin (OPG) concentration is elevated in patients with CD compared to healthy controls. Long term infliximab (IFX) maintenance therapy improves the patients' bone mineral density. The effect of infliximab on bone metabolism has not yet been clarified. Aims: Our aim was to evaluate IFX effects on bone pathology in CD patients. Methods: Twenty nine patients were treated with IFX as an induction therapy according to international guidelines at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Serum concentrations of biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalc…