2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (31): 5046-5051

Correlation between platelet count and lumbar bone mineral density in middle-aged and elderly people

Zhang Jinpeng1, Chen Chang2, Pan Qiuyu3, Mai Chenyao3, Li Yinlong3, Hao Yuxi1, Hu Jun4   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent studies have found that there may be an intrinsic association between platelet count and bone mineral density. However, previous studies have reached different conclusions on the intrinsic association between the two.
OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between lumbar spine bone density and platelet count in middle-aged and elderly people.
METHODS: A total of 2 571 men and 2 929 women were recruited from the NHANES database. Weighted multiple linear regression models and smooth curve fitting were used to evaluate the association between lumbar bone mineral density and platelet count.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The weighted multiple linear regression model results showed that lumbar bone mineral density was negatively correlated with platelet count in the total population. There was still a negative correlation between lumbar bone density and platelet count after grouping into four groups. When stratified by sex, there was still a negative correlation in men, β=-0.000 2, 95% confidence interval (CI): (-0.000 3, < -0.000 1). When stratified by race, only the three models for Americans of other races showed a positive correlation [model 1: β=0.000 2, 95% CI: (< 0.000 1, 0.000 4); Model 2: β=0.000 1,
95% CI: (-0.000 1, 0.000 3); Model 3: β=0.000 1, 95% CI: (-0.000 1, 0.000 3)], while the three models of Hispanic, non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black showed a negative correlation. (2) The smooth curve fitting was used to solve the nonlinear relationship between platelet count and lumbar bone mineral density. It was found that there were two inflection points between platelet count and lumbar bone mineral density within the normal range in men. The piecewise linear regression model was used to identify the two inflection points, which were 141×109/L and 246×109/L. (3) To conclude, there is a negative correlation between lumbar bone mineral density and platelet count in middle-aged and elderly men. There is a positive correlation between lumbar bone mineral density and platelet count in men when platelet count is < 141×109/L in the normal range, a negative correlation when platelet count is (141-246)×109/L, and a positive correlation when platelet count is > 246×109/L. There may be a positive correlation between lumbar bone density and platelet count in women.

Key words: lumbar vertebra bone density, platelet count, correlation analysis, weighted multiple linear regression model, smooth curve fitting, threshold effect analysis