| [ Summary ] |
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease of the lungs. It has recently been recognized as a systemic disease due to various extrapulmonary comorbidities. Osteoporosis is among such major complications, causing vertebral fractures and bone loss. Despite its high prevalence, it is not well recognized by general physicians. Very few COPD patients are treated for osteoporosis, particularly in Japan. Although various risk factors such as chronic inflammation, systemic or inhaled corticosteroid use, vitamin D deficiency, and hypoxia, appear to be associated with osteoporosis with COPD, its pathophysiology is not completely understood. Because osteoporosis impairs not only quality of life but also pulmonary function in COPD patients, elucidation of the pathophysiology of COPD-associated osteoporosis and timely intervention is required. |