[Osteoporosis in corticoid therapy of patients with chronic obstructive respiratory tract diseases]

Two groups of patients with chronic obstructive lung diseases were investigated on presence of osteoporosis. If the diagnosis was made by clinical statement and X-ray signs of manifested osteoporosis, we found osteoporosis in 5.2 p.c. of all patients with corticosteroid treatment. If we used special X-ray methods after Barnett and Nordin resp. Singh, we found osteoporosis in 15.6 p.c. of all patients with corticosteroid treatment. In the present publication our own experiences with these special X-ray methods are described. They have their indication above all in women over 50 years resp. men over 60 years and in patients with concomitant diseases causing osteoporosis.