| Theme |
The impact of bone and mineral disorders on multiple diseases |
| Title |
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bone |
| Author |
Reiko Watanabe |
Third Department of Medicine, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center |
| Author |
Daisuke Inoue |
Third Department of Medicine, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center |
| [ Summary ] |
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease associated with various systemic comorbidities. Osteoporosis is one such major comorbidity frequently observed in COPD patients. In addition to systemic inflammation, various risk factors such as glucocorticoid use, vitamin D deficiency and respiratory failure may contribute to the development of COPD-associated osteoporosis. However, the causative mechanisms are still unclear. COPD patients experience skeletal fragility in the early stages without an apparent decrease in bone mineral density. Thus, bone quality may play a role in the mechanisms of COPD-associated osteoporosis. Although evidence concerning specific treatment for COPD-associated osteoporosis is scarce, it is important to evaluate bone status in COPD patients and initiate proper treatment as early as possible to maintain patients' activity levels and quality of life. |