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.