Pharmacological, Nutritional, and Rehabilitative Interventions to Improve the Complex Management of Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent condition affecting a growing number of patients affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with crucial implications for risk of fragility fractures, hospitalization, and mortality. Several risk factors have been identified to have a role in osteoporosis development in COPD patients, including corticosteroid therapy, systemic inflammation, smoke, physical activity levels, malnutrition, and sarcopenia. In this scenario, a personalized multitarget intervention focusing on the pathological mechanisms underpinning osteoporosis is mandatory to improve bone health in these frail patients. Specifically, physical exercise, nutritional approach, dietary supplements, and smoke cessation are the cornerstone of the lifestyle approach to osteoporosis in COPD patients, improving not only bone health but also physical performance and balance. On the other hand, pharmacological treatment should be considered for both the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in patients at higher risk of fragility fractures. Despite these considerations, several barriers still affect the integration of a personalized approach to managing osteoporosis in COPD patients. However, digital innovation solutions and telemedicine might have a role in optimizing sustainable networking between hospital assistance and community settings to improve bone health and reduce sanitary costs of the long-term management of COPD patients with osteoporosis.