Which statement best describes the relationship between corticosteroid dose and osteopenia in IBD patients?

Which statement best describes the relationship between corticosteroid dose and osteopenia in IBD patients?

• A. No correlation
• B. Inverse correlation
• C. Dose-dependent positive correlation
• D. No relation to corticosteroid dose

Answer: (C)

Corticosteroids cause bone loss in a dose- and duration-dependent manner, so greater exposure increases the risk of osteopenia in IBD. Glucocorticoids boost osteoclast activity while suppressing osteoblast formation, reduce calcium absorption, increase calcium excretion, and can lower sex hormone levels, all contributing to lower bone mineral density. Because these effects accumulate with higher daily doses and longer cumulative use, the relationship is best described as a dose-dependent positive correlation. Lower doses or shorter courses carry less risk, but any meaningful exposure can contribute, whereas the other patterns (no correlation, inverse, or no relation) don’t align with how corticosteroids impact bone health.

Corticosteroids cause bone loss in a dose- and duration-dependent manner, so greater exposure increases the risk of osteopenia in IBD. Glucocorticoids boost osteoclast activity while suppressing osteoblast formation, reduce calcium absorption, increase calcium excretion, and can lower sex hormone levels, all contributing to lower bone mineral density. Because these effects accumulate with higher daily doses and longer cumulative use, the relationship is best described as a dose-dependent positive correlation. Lower doses or shorter courses carry less risk, but any meaningful exposure can contribute, whereas the other patterns (no correlation, inverse, or no relation) don’t align with how corticosteroids impact bone health.