Pharmacy

Your Article Summary

Bone mineral density and fractures in older men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma
Osteoporosis International, 10/13/09

Dam TT et al.COPD or asthma was associated with lower BMD at the spine and hip and increased risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures independent of age, clinic site, BMI, and smoking. A history of COPD or asthma may be a useful clinical risk factor to identify patients with osteoporosis.

Methods

• 5,541 men
• Participants from Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study
• History of COPD or asthma, current treatment with corticosteroids, BMD, bone loss after 4.5 years and fractures ascertained

Results

• 714 (13%) men reported COPD or asthma, of which 103 were prescribed an oral steroid and 177 an inhaled steroid
• Men prescribed corticosteroids for COPD or asthma had the lowest BMD and 2-fold increased risk of vertebral osteoporosis compared to men with no history of COPD or asthma
• During follow-up, BMD increased at spine, but no difference in bone loss at hip
• Men with COPD or asthma had 2.6- and 1.4-fold increased risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures, respectively