Retrospective cross-sectional associations of whole blood cell count and hemoglobin level with lumbar bone mineral density in older adults.

IntroductionThe increasing prevalence of osteoporosis has exerted a substantial global economic burden. Low hemoglobin levels and low bone density frequently co-occur in older adults. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between whole blood cell count and bone density among individuals aged ≥50 years.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to March 2024, which enrolled 83 participants aged ≥50 years. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Comprehensive complete blood cell count tests were performed, and lumbar bone mineral density (L1-L4) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Linear regression and restricted cubic spline analyses were performed.ResultsRed blood cell count and hemoglobin levels were positively correlated with lumbar bone mineral density. This association remained significant in males but was not observed in females. Nonlinear relationships were observed between hemoglobin levels, platelet levels, and lumbar bone mineral density, with platelet levels exhibiting an inverted U-shaped curve.ConclusionIn this retrospective cross-sectional study involving older Chinese individuals, hemoglobin levels demonstrated a positive, nonlinear association with lumbar bone mineral density, particularly among males. Although monitoring of hemoglobin levels may serve as a useful adjunct for early risk assessment of lumbar bone metabolic disorders, these findings are preliminary and causal inferences cannot be drawn due to the cross-sectional design. Further large-scale longitudinal studies are warranted to validate these results.