Abstract Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are at increasedrisk of osteoporosis due to chronic inflammation, physical inactivity, and corticosteroiduse. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a common treatment for COPD, but their impact onbone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk is not well understood.Objectives: To investigate the incidence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures inCOPD patients using ICS and to identify associated risk factors.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted among 108 COPD patientsusing ICS and 102 controls. BMD was assessed using DEXA scans, and fracture risk wasevaluated using the FRAX score. The data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. Theresults were presented as mean and standard deviation (SD) or number and percentage.One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare data between groups,while the t-test was used to compare data within the study group. A p-value of less than0.05 was considered statistically significant, indicating that any observed differenceswere unlikely to be due to chance.Results: COPD patients using ICS had significantly lower BMD, higher fracture risk,and increased osteoporosis incidence compared to controls. The prevalence ofosteoporosis was 83.3% in cases and 13.7% in controls. ICS users had a higher risk ofosteoporosis, particularly with longer duration of use.Conclusion: The present study highlights the significant association between ICS useand increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures in COPD patients. Vigilant osteoporosisscreening and preventative strategies are necessary for COPD patients using ICS,particularly those with long-term use.
Dr. Pranshu Singh Panwar, Dr. Gurumurthy B, Dr. Prakash M, Dr. Punith N, Dr. Mayank (Wed,) studied this question.