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Risk of osteoporosis in men with chronic bronchitis
J P Praet1, A Peretz, S Rozenberg
1Department of Rheumatology, Saint Pierre University Hospital, Free Universities of Brussels, Belgium.
Summary
Patients with chronic bronchitis face osteoporosis risk, especially those on corticosteroids. Bone metabolism studies reveal lower bone density and formation markers, suggesting hypogonadism may also contribute.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Chronic bronchitis is theoretically linked to osteoporosis.
- Corticosteroid use is a known risk factor for bone density loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess bone metabolism in male chronic bronchitis patients.
- To compare bone density and formation markers between patients on corticosteroids and those on bronchodilators alone.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 44 male chronic bronchitis patients.
- Measured serum osteocalcin and testosterone levels.
- Assessed bone mineral density (BMD) using Z scores.
Main Results:
- Both patient groups showed significantly lower serum osteocalcin than controls.
- Testosterone levels were at the lower limit of normal in both groups.
- Low trabecular BMD was observed in the bronchodilator-only group; both cortical and trabecular BMD were depressed in the corticosteroid group.
Conclusions:
- Chronic bronchitis patients, particularly those on corticosteroids, are at risk for osteoporosis.
- Hypogonadism may contribute to reduced bone density and osteocalcin levels.
- Decreased bone formation is a potential mechanism underlying these bone density deficits.