The Significance of Serum Cholesterol Measurements in Crohn's Disease

Abstract

A high incidence of hypocholesterolaemia was found in 44 cases of Crohn's disease. It occurred at all sites of the disease and correlated with the degree of activity of the disease but not with the amount of ileal resection or the amount of faecal fat excretion. The results were independent of age and sex. It is suggested that impaired dietary intake is a major factor in reducing serum cholesterol and that the measurement could be used as a sensitive index of nutrition and disease activity. Serum cholesterol measurement should not be used as a screening test of ileal function.

Key-words:

• Cholesterol
• enteritis, regional
• intestinal absorption
• nutrition