Evaluation of the relationship between automated software-derived bone health index and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-measured bone mineral density in chinese children with chronic illness.

PURPOSE: Children with chronic illness are vulnerable to compromised bone health. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is commonly used for assessment but has limitations related to body size adjustments and positioning, highlighting the need for accessible alternatives. This study evaluated the correlation between the Bone Health Index (BHI), derived from automated hand radiograph analysis, and areal bone mineral density (BMD) measured by DXA in Chinese children with chronic illness. METHODS: In this retrospective study, Chinese children undergoing simultaneous DXA and hand radiography were included. Correlations between BHI metrics and DXA-derived BMD Z-scores were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 327 patients were analyzed. Absolute BHI values showed negligible correlation with DXA-derived BMD at the lumbar spine (LS) (r = 0.10, p = 0.05) and total body less head (TBLH) (r = 0.00, p = 0.35). BHI standard deviation scores (SDS) exhibited moderate positive correlations with DXA BMD Z-scores (LS: r = 0.42, p <0.001; TBLH: r = 0.43, p <0.001). In steroid-treated patients, these correlations were weaker (LS: r = 0.30, p =0.007; TBLH: r = 0.30, p 0.001). Conversely, steroid-naïve patients exhibited stronger correlations (LS: r = 0.48, p<0.001; TBLH: r = 0.53, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In steroid-treated patients, BHI SDS correlated weakly with DXA-derived BMD Z-scores, whereas steroid-naïve patients exhibited moderate correlations. This highlights that BHI and DXA BMD assess distinct bone properties that are differentially influenced by systemic treatment like glucocorticoids. Consequently, BHI should be regarded as a complementary tool rather than serving as a direct surrogate for DXA.