title: Cross-sectional associations between prevalent vertebral fracture and pulmonary function in the sixth Tromsø study.
abstract: 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, FEV1% predicted, and FEV1/FVC% predicted values, adjusted FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/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 FEV1% predicted values were not associated with vertebral fracture (P > 0.05), whereas FEV1/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, FEV1, and FEV1/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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway. bente.morseth@uit.no.
authors.forename: Bente
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Morseth
authors.forename: Hasse
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Melbye
authors.forename: Svanhild
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Waterloo
authors.forename: Marte R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Thomassen
authors.forename: Marijke J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Risberg
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Emaus
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000379:methods; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000502:physiology