Prevalence of Osteopenia and Osteoporosis in Patients with Noncystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis

Objective The objective of our study was to define the prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia in patients with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients with physician-diagnosed NCFB evaluated at Mayo Clinic Florida between January 1, 2011 and June 3, 2013. Results A total of 113 patients with physician-diagnosed NCFB and confirmatory findings on computed tomography scan were identified. The cohort was overwhelmingly women (90%) with a mean age of 72 ± 10.6 and a body mass index of 24.8 ± 6.8. The medical history indicated that 30% (34) had osteoporosis, 39% (44) had osteopenia, and 9% (10) had normal bone density. In 25 (22%) of the subjects, bone density was unknown or undocumented. Most were never smokers (55.7%) or past smokers (41.6%) and airflow obstruction was present in 58% of the 84 subjects who had undergone pulmonary function tests. In total, 57 patients (50.44%) and 45 patients (39.82%) had been prescribed proton pump inhibitors and inhaled corticosteroids, respectively. Bone mineral density testing was performed during the study period in 70 (62%) of the subjects. Decreased bone density consistent with osteoporosis was present in 19 (27%); 41 (59%) had osteopenia, and bone density was normal in 10 (14%) subjects. Diminished bone density was present in 82.8% (24/29) of patients younger than age 70, with 27.6% (8/29) having osteoporosis. There was a greater incidence of diminished bone density in those with reduced body mass index (100% vs 82%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.10). Forty-seven and 32% of patients with diminished bone density were using proton pump inhibitor therapy and inhaled corticosteroids, respectively. Conclusions This study suggested that diminished bone density is common in patients with bronchiectasis, with >85% of this cohort having osteoporosis or osteopenia confirmed by bone density testing. Although the prevalence of both bronchiectasis and diminished bone density increases with advancing age and female sex, these data suggest a greater prevalence than expected based on demographic risks. Medications that may predispose individuals to diminished bone density are not uncommonly prescribed in patients with bronchiectasis. Provider awareness of the substantial prevalence of diminished bone density in patients with bronchiectasis may improve patient care by prompting appropriate screening for and treatment of osteoporosis and osteopenia. In light of these observations, judicious use of medications that may predispose to diminished bone density is warranted.