Low bone mineral density in COPD patients related to worse lung function, low weight and decreased fat-free mass

Low bone mineral density is frequently seen in COPD patients. Advanced COPD, low BMI and muscle depletion are risk factors for developing low bone mineral density (BMD). Low bone mineral density is seen in 75% of the GOLD stage IV patients. We set out to investigate the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as the predictors of abnormal bone mineral density. A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate 115 subjects with COPD (GOLD stages II-IV). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using an ultrasound densitometer. The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) was assessed and fat-free mass was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for analysis. The prevalence of a T-score < -1.0 SD and > -2.5 SD was 28.6% in GOLD stage II, 40.3% in GOLD stage III and 57.1% in GOLD stage IV. The prevalence of a T-score