Association between anaemia and osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Alveron Andreas Tear, Florencia Anastasia Tesno, Haneira Shofiadeita et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis examined the association between anaemia and osteoporosis in 18 studies involving 861,540 participants. Anaemia was associated with higher odds of osteoporosis in univariate analysis (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.33-1.98; p < 0.001), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 92.7%). The association remained significant among studies reporting multivariate analyses (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.26-3.21; p = 0.004). Sensitivity analyses were reported to support the robustness of the findings.
Key findings
- Across 18 studies and 861,540 participants, anaemia was associated with osteoporosis in univariate analysis (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.33-1.98; p < 0.001).
- In studies reporting multivariate analyses, the association remained significant (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.26-3.21; p = 0.004).
- Heterogeneity in the univariate analysis was high (I² = 92.7%).
Why it matters
The pooled findings identify anaemia as a marker associated with osteoporosis across a large combined study population. This may help inform assessment of bone health in people with anaemia, while the substantial heterogeneity and observational associations mean the results do not establish that anaemia causes osteoporosis.
What to keep in mind
The analysis showed high heterogeneity (I² = 92.7%), and the reported associations do not establish causality.