Elevated HDL cholesterol levels are associated with osteoporosis in lung transplant candidates with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background Osteoporosis is common in advanced COPD and worsens rapidly after transplantation, potentially impairing quality of life Increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) has been observed in COPD and linked with osteoporosis in the general population This association has not been previously examined in COPD Methods We reviewed the records of 245 COPD patients referred for lung transplant evaluation Osteoporosis was defined by either dual energy X ray absorptiometry scan or use of osteoporosis medications The presence or absence of osteoporosis could be ascertained in 152 subjects Cholesterol values and other clinical variables were dssessed for their association with osteoporosis Results Clinical factors associated with osteoporosis included lower BMI [OR 0 81, 95% CI 0 73-0 90], higher HDLc [OR 1 04, 95% Cl 1 02 to 1 07], and worse lung function HDLc was an independent predictor of OP and demonstrated an inverse linear correlation with T scores (r = -0 21, p = 0 05), which was stronger amongst males (r = 0 45, p = 0 004) Conclusion In COPD patients referred for lung transplantation, osteoporosis is highly prevalent Raised HDLc levels are common in this group and are independently associated with OP (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved