87 VERTEBRAL FRACTURES IN OLDER PATIENTS WITH COPD: AN UNDER-DIAGNOSED AND UNDER-TREATED ENTITY

Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are at increased risk of osteoporosis. Vertebral Fractures (VF) are the most common manifestation of osteoporosis. Only one fourth to one third of incident radiographically identified VF are clinically diagnosed. The aim of this study is to evaluate patients the prevalence of VF in a cohort of patients admitted with Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD).

A retrospective review of AECOPD admissions over a four-month period was performed. Information on baseline characteristics, prescribed medications and reports of radiological imaging were obtained from Electronic Healthcare Records, discharge summaries and clinic letters.

In total 116 patients were included over the study period. In 24% (n=28), VF was present on imaging. In those with VF, females accounted for 64.3% (n=18). Median age was 80 (76-85) and median CFS was 6. In 12 cases a single VF was present, in 9 two VFs and in 7 patients 3+ VF were present. There was no documented diagnosis of osteoporosis in 67.8% (n=19). VF were initially detected on CT thorax imaging performed to assess for pulmonary pathology in 35.7% (n=10) cases. Vitamin D3 was prescribed in 60.7% (n=17), concurrently with calcium in 28.6% (n=8). Antiresorptive therapy was prescribed in 39.3% (n=11), oral bisphosphonates in 4 patients and denosumab in 7. Vitamin D (OH) level was measured in 78.6% (n= 22) patients and was insufficient (<50mmol) in 25% (n=7).

Almost one-quarter of patients who were admitted with an AECOPD had vertebral insufficiency fracture on imaging. Identification and treatment of VF was suboptimal. Most were not identified as having osteoporosis nor prescribed antiresorptive therapy. CT imaging should be routinely reviewed for the presence of insufficiency fractures as part of case finding initiatives. Bone health assessment should be routinely performed in patients with COPD, particularly those with frequent corticosteroid usage.