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Red Cell Distribution Width Is a Risk Factor for Hip Fracture in Elderly Men Without Anemia
Kyoung Min Kim1,2, Li-Yung Lui1, Jane A Cauley3
1San Francisco Coordinating Center, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Summary
Red cell distribution width (RDW) predicts hip fracture risk in older men, especially those without anemia. Higher RDW indicates increased fracture risk, highlighting its role in aging-related health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Hematology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) quantifies red blood cell size variation and is linked to aging and disease.
- Increased RDW is associated with aging-related diseases and mortality, but its link to hip fracture is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between RDW and hip fracture risk in older men.
- To explore the interaction between RDW, anemia, and hip fracture risk.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 3635 men (aged 71-99) from the Osteoporotic Fracture in Men (MrOS) study.
- RDW was measured and categorized; anemia was defined by hemoglobin levels.
- Hip fractures and all-clinical fractures were tracked over an average of 8.1 years.
Main Results:
- Hip fracture risk increased with higher RDW categories.
- A significant interaction was found: RDW predicted hip fractures only in men without anemia.
- Men without anemia in the highest RDW category had a 2.8-fold increased hip fracture risk compared to the lowest category.
Conclusions:
- RDW, a routine blood test, can help identify older men at increased risk for hip fracture.
- The association appears related to neuromuscular aging effects rather than solely bone mineral density.
- RDW and hemoglobin-defined anemia are valuable indicators for assessing hip fracture risk.
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