Journal Chest: December highlighted studies.(Report)

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, researchers conclude that a systemic effect of COPD may contribute directly to osteoporosis. This study is published in the December issue of the journal CHEST (see also American College of Chest Physicians).

COPD INCREASES RISK FOR ACID REFLUX Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be at an increased risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a new study shows. Researchers from Spain calculated the incidence of GERD in 1,628 patients with a first diagnosis of COPD. Researchers also calculated the incidence of COPD in 4,391 patients with a first diagnosis of GERD. Both groups were compared with age- and gender-matched comparison cohorts without either diagnosis. During the 5-year follow-up, the relative risk of incidence of COPD in patients with GERD was 1.17, while the relative risk of incidence for GERD in patients with COPD was 1.46. The study emphasizes that the two diseases coexist, and that COPD may predispose ...