Abstract:

[Abstract]  Objective To observe the effects of salmeterol/fluticasone on the bone metabolism and bone density of the patients with moderate COPD and whether the effects is relate with inhaled corticosteroid course. Methods Sixty patients with COPD were divided into 2 groups by random digit table. Patients in experimental group (n=30) were given conventional therapy with salmeterol/fluticasone one inhale（bid) for continuously 12 months while patients in control group (N=30) were given conventional therapy without any glucocorticoid．The bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral triangle in all patients were measured by DXA before therapy, 3 months and 12 months after therapy. At the same time, biochemical indicators that are correlated with bone metabolism include bone gla protein (BGP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured by radioimmunoassay.  Results The BMD, BGP and ALP of patients in experimental group and in control group before therapy, 3 month and 12 month after therapy were compared. There is no significant difference (P＞0.05) between these two groups before therapy and after 3 month but significant difference was shown after 9 months (P＜0.05). Conclusion  Short period inhaling salmeterol/fluticasone in patients with COPD is safe. But long-term inhaling salmeterol/fluticason may lead to decline of the bone density in patients with COPD.

Key words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, salmeterol/fluticason, Bone Density, osteocalcin, Alkaline Phosphatase