Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background & Aim: Osteoporosis is a significant problem in patients with advanced COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It is followed by fractures which make life conditions worse for these patients. Several studies demonstrated the relationship between osteoporosis and COPD. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in male patients with COPD. Patients & Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 30 men whose COPD had been proved by spirometry test and were admitted to the hospital within six months. The variables in this study were age, smoking, activity levels, use of oral and inhaled glucocorticoid, and BMI(Body Mass Index). We also measured BMD(Bone Mass Densitometry) at lumbar spine and the neck of femur through Dexa(Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) method. Results: The study involved 30 men with COPD with a mean age of 66.02 years. The prevalence of osteoporosis was obtained 83.3% and we could demonstrate the relationship between osteoporosis at the neck of femur and use of oral glucocorticoid. We also observed the correlation between osteoporosis at lumbar spine and BMI. Conclusion: Patients with COPD are high risk groups for osteoporosis, so it is necessary to evaluate them by bone densitometry screening even if they are not treated with glucocorticoid.