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

Objectives. 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. Conclusion. 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.