Fragilitas ossium, fro, is an often lethal recessive mutation that was discovered in a randombred stock of mice after treatment with the chemical mutagen tris(1-aziridinyl) phosphine-sulphine. The fro/fro mice have osteoporosis-bending and fracture of the long bones-that is associated with apparently normal cartilage growth. The roentgenological and pathological features are similar to those of the severe, often lethal recessive form of human osteogenesis imperfecta.

Clinically significant fatigue is common among patients with COPD and is associated with an increased disease burden. It should therefore be integrated as a measure of disease prognosis and control in patients with COPD.