Bone Disease in Chronic Pancreatitis: A Complex Phenomenon

The purpose of this study is to define the prevalence of low bone density (osteopenia/osteoporosis) in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Secondary aims include investigating the prevalence of hypogonadism (low sex hormones) in patients with chronic pancreatitis and determining if hypogonadism and/or use of narcotic pain medications are risk factors for low bone density in this patient population. 1. Hypothesis: Patients with chronic pancreatitis are at increased risk of low bone density (osteopenia/osteoporosis), and hypogonadism (low sex hormone levels) and narcotic pain medication use are independent risk factors for the development of low bone density in this patient population. 2. The outcome measures include: i) Prevalence of low bone density (osteopenia/osteoporosis) in patients with chronic pancreatitis (as determined by DXA scan and fracture history). ii) Prevalence of hypogonadism (low sex hormones) in patients with chronic pancreatitis (as determined by sex hormone levels and clinical history). iii) Identification of hypogonadism and/or opioid use as risk factors for low bone density in patients with chronic pancreatitis (as determined by univariate and multivariate analysis of multiple risk factors). 3. After obtaining written consent from potential subjects, a questionnaire will be performed outlining risk factors for low bone density. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA scan) will be performed to evaluate for low bone density and a blood test will be performed to evaluate for low sex hormones, low levels of vitamin D, and other risk factors for low bone density.