Risk of Fracture and Osteoporosis in Patients With COPD and Inhaled Corticosteroids Treatment

Respir Care. 2023 Nov 25;68(12):1719-1727. doi: 10.4187/respcare.10933.

Abstract

Background: There are disputes whether inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) increase the incidence of fracture or osteoporosis among patients with COPD. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the effect of ICS treatment on the risk of fracture and osteoporosis in subjects with COPD.

Methods: This study included parallel-group randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ICS and control (non-ICS) therapy for subjects with COPD that reported adverse events including fractures or osteoporosis. Studies were found using MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases between 1998-September 2022. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs were calculated for primary outcomes.

Results: A total of 61,380 participants from 26 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Exposure to ICS did not increase the risk of fracture (RR 1.10 [95% CI 0.98-1.23], P = .10) or osteoporosis risk (RR 0.93 [95% CI 0.49-1.79], P = .84) in subjects with COPD.

Conclusions: ICS use did not increase the incidence of fracture or osteoporosis in subjects with COPD.

Keywords: COPD; fracture; inhaled corticosteroids; meta-analysis; osteoporosis; randomized controlled trials.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Humans
  • Osteoporosis* / chemically induced
  • Osteoporosis* / etiology
  • Patients
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / complications
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / drug therapy
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones