Negative correlation between bone mineral density and subclinical fractures in patients with human immunodeficiency virus

BACKGROUND: Although low bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with an increased risk of fracture, few studies have assessed fracture rates in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: The occurrence of subclinical fractures in patients with HIV was assessed. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between subclinical fractures and related factors. RESULTS: Fifty patients with HIV were included, among whom 11 were diagnosed with subclinical fractures. These 11 patients had a mean body mass index of 24.127 ± 3.482 kg/m(2), smoked a mean of 142.091 ± 3.482 cigarettes/month, drank a mean of 61.545 ± 13.026 mL/day of alcohol, had a mean CD4(+) T cell count of 247.727 ± 181.679 cells/mm(3), had a mean duration of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) of 4.27 ± 0.786 years, and had a mean BMD of the third lumbar spine of 0.810 ± 0.063 g/cm(3). The AIDS duration and BMD of the third lumbar spine were significantly associated with subclinical fractures. The BMD of the third lumbar spine was negatively correlated with subclinical fractures. CONCLUSION: A significant negative correlation was found between the BMD of the third lumbar spine and subclinical fractures.