Osteoporosis self-assessment tool for Asians as a risk assessment tool of airflow limitation in Japanese post-menopausal women

Reduced respiratory function is associated with low bone mineral density and increased fracture risk. Therefore, we assessed the association between the osteoporosis self-assessment tool for Asians (OSTA) and airflow limitation (AL) in post-menopausal Japanese women. This cross-sectional study included 1,580 patients who underwent a comprehensive health examination using spirometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The OSTA was calculated by subtracting the age in years from the body weight in kilograms, and the result was multiplied by 0.2. Furthermore, the OSTA risk level was defined as low (> -1), moderate (-4 to -1), or high (< -4); AL was defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV 1 /FVC) < 0.7. Prevalence of AL was significantly higher in the high OSTA group (15.3%) than in the low OSTA group (3.1%). The OSTA was independently associated with FEV 1 /FVC. Moreover, in logistic regression models adjusted for smoking status, alcohol consumption, current use of medication for diabetes, hyperglycemia, rheumatoid arthritis, second-hand smoke, and removal of ovary, the risk of AL (adjusted odds ratio: 5.48; 95% confidence interval: 2.90–10.37) was significantly higher in participants with OSTA high-risk than in those with low-risk. Thus, OSTA high-risk indicates the presence of AL in Japanese post-menopausal women.