Cross-sectional associations between prevalent vertebral fracture and pulmonary function in the sixth Tromsø study

BACKGROUND: Persons with vertebral fracture may have reduced pulmonary function, but this association has not been much studied. The aim of this cross-sectional study was therefore to examine the relationship between vertebral fracture and pulmonary function in a general, elderly population. METHODS: Vertebral morphometry was used for vertebral fracture assessment in 2132 elderly men (n = 892) and women (n = 1240) aged 55 to 87 years in the population-based Tromsø Study 2007–08. Pulmonary function was examined by spirometry. Pulmonary function was expressed as FVC% predicted, FEV(1)% predicted, and FEV(1)/FVC% predicted values, adjusted FVC, FEV(1), and FEV(1)/FVC, and obstructive and restrictive ventilatory impairment. Vertebral fracture was classified according to appearance, number, severity, and location of fractures. Associations were analyzed using general linear and logistic models. RESULTS: FVC% predicted and FEV(1)% predicted values were not associated with vertebral fracture (P > 0.05), whereas FEV(1)/FVC% predicted ratio was associated with both prevalent fracture, number of fractures, severity of fractures, and fracture site in men (P < 0.05), but not in women. When FVC, FEV(1), and FEV(1)/FVC values were adjusted for multiple covariates, we found no significant association with vertebral fracture. Obstructive and restrictive ventilatory impairment was not associated with prevalent vertebral fracture. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study did not confirm any clinically relevant associations between prevalent vertebral fracture and ventilatory impairment in elderly individuals.