Osteoporosis in patients with end-stage lung disease

Abstract

Aim. To estimate the bone mineral density (BMD) in end-stage lung disease (ESLD) and to determine risk factors for reduced BMD and correlations between lung functional parameters and pretransplantation bone mass. Materials and methods. Sixty-five case histories were retrospectively analyzed in patients with ESLD who were to undergo lung transplantation. BMD in the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) was estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. External respiratory function was investigated; gasometry and six-minute walk test (SMWT) were carried out. Results. Osteopenic syndrome was recorded in 89% of the patients. Normal LS and FN BMD was found only in 7 (11%) patients. T-scores (in both LII-LIV and FN) were directly related to the body mass index. There was a direct correlation of BMD with forced expiratory volume in one second and an inverse correction with arterial blood pCO2. There was no significant relationship between the results of SMWT and BMD in both LII-LIV. Conclusion. Osteoporosis is a common severe systemic manifestation in patients with ESLD.

Keywords

• osteoporosis
• end-stage lung disease
• lung transplantation