Material and Method: A cross sectional study was used to evaluate 102 male stable COPD patients. Bone mineral density at lumbar spine (L2-4) and femoral neck were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometer scan. Demographic data including age, body mass index (BMI), inhaled corticosteroids use, tobacco smoke, force expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were analyzed.

Results: The overall prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia according to the lowest T-score at either L2-4 or femoral neck were 31.4% and 32.4%, respectively. This prevalence of osteoporosis in COPD patients was higher than that in agematched Thai males from historical data (31.4% vs. 12.6%, respectively). BMI and hs-CRP were significantly associated with osteoporosis. There was no association between osteoporosis and severity of COPD, age, smoking, and corticosteroid use. The predictive value of BMI < 20.5 kg/m2 and hs-CRP > 2.3 mg/L demonstrated risk of osteoporosis in COPD patients (adjusted Odds ratio 7.2 and 4.1, respectively).

Conclusion: The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in Thai COPD patients was higher than that in normal agematched Thai males. Osteoporosis was associated with low BMI and high level of hs-CRP when compared to COPD patients with normal bone mineral density.

Keywords: Bone mineral density, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Osteoporosis, Prevalence, Systemic inflammation