Journal Chest: December highlighted studies

MEN WITH EMPHYSEMA AT RISK FOR OSTEOPOROSIS New research shows that men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, may also be at risk for osteoporosis. Researchers from Japan performed chest CT scans and pulmonary function tests on 65 male patients with COPD. Using these tests, researchers were able to compare vertebral bone density with percentage of low attenuation area (LAA%), which reflects the severity of emphysema. Results showed that LAA% had a significant negative correlation with bone mineral density, or patients with the most severe COPD had lowest bone mineral density. Although osteoporosis has multiple risk factors,...

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