Prevalence of Osteoporosis in COPD Prompts Need for Screening

Osteoporosis is prevalent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a prevalence that is similar across COPD populations in many countries, according to a study published in CHEST.

Researchers conducted a systematic review by searching several databases using the keywords “COPD,” “osteoporosis,” “prevalence,” and “risk factor.” Two reviewers then independently screened the data for eligibility, data extraction and quality assessment of the articles.

The combined analyses indicated a pooled global osteoporosis prevalence of 38% and 15% in the control groups. Significant diversity was identified, which analysis significantly associated with the source of patients with COPD. Prevalence did not significantly differ among the five geographical regions: the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific.

Patients with COPD having osteoporosis was 95%. Significant risk factors for osteoporosis among patients with COPD included body mass index and the presence of muscle loss with aging (sarcopenia).

The investigators also deteremined that individuals with COPD at high risk for osteoporosis should be identified early through screening and strategies aimed at improving or controlling risk factors for osteoporosis should be implemented in the early stages of lung disease.

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