Male smokers at increased risk for osteoporosis, fractures

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

According to a new study published online in the journal Annals of the American Thoracic Society, researchers have found that among middle-aged to elderly tobacco smokers, men were more likely than women to have osteoporosis and vertebral fractures.

For the large study, researchers from National Jewish Health and other institutions analyzed data from 3,321 current and ex-smokers aged 45 to 80 years old. Patients were eligible if they had a minimum 10 pack-year smoking history.

Results showed that 11% of participants had normal bone density, 31% had intermediate bone density, and 58% had low bone density. In addition, 37% had one or more vertebral fractures.

Researchers found that of those with low bone density and vertebral fractures, 55% and 60%, respectively, were men. Results also showed that 84% of participants of both genders with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had low-bone density.

Each additional pack-year of tobacco smoking was associated with a 0.4% increased risk of low bone density. The findings suggest that past and current smokers of both genders should be screened for osteoporosis.