Paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease who received infliximab experienced improved growth and bone health

Aim Children with inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD ) have a high prevalence of growth retardation and low bone mineral density ( BMD ). This retrospective study investigated whether the start of infliximab treatment ( IFX ) was associated with improvement of growth and bone health. Methods Anthropometry, BMD and bone markers were measured 1 year before and after the start of IFX treatment in 33 patients (51% males), with a median age of 13.5 years at baseline. Outcomes were growth with treatment and indicators of improved bone health. Results Twenty‐one children (64%) experienced a positive catch‐up growth after IFX . Height standard deviation scores ( SDS ) were significantly higher in children in remission. Treatment with IFX was associated with a statistically significant increase in 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol (25‐ OHD , p = 0.01). IFX had no influence on BMD . Children with low BMD  < −2 had significantly higher inflammation scores, lower body mass index, weight, height SDS and 25‐ ODH after IFX . Conclusion After treatment with IFX , children with IBD improved significantly in weight, with the majority achieving positive catch‐up growth. Bone mass tended to remain static with time of treatment with IFX , despite a significant increase in 25‐ OHD . Improved nutritional status positively predicts improved bone mineralisation.