NHR levels in patients with osteoporosis associated with increased risk of fragility fracture: Study

Written by Dr Supreeth D R Published On 2025-03-20T21:00:12+05:30 | Updated On 20 March 2025 9:00 PM IST

NHR levels in patients with osteoporosis associated with increased risk of fragility fracture: Study

Systematic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR) has been considered as a novel inflammatory marker. To date, the clinical association between NHR and fragility fracture is not yet well-known. The study by Wang et al explored whether NHR levels in patients with osteoporosis were associated with an increased risk of fragility fracture.

This case-control study included 271 osteoporotic patients with and without a history of fragility fracture. Laboratory tests and physical examinations were conducted in all participants, and NHR was calculated.

Key findings of the study were:

• The mean NHR levels in patients with fragility fractures were significantly higher compared to those without fragility fractures (2.91 ± 1.18 vs. 2.21 ± 0.91, P < 0.001).

• Additionally, there was a significant positive correlation between NHR and fragility fracture (r = 0.310, P < 0.001).

• The authors could detect a statistical increment of the area under receiver operating characteristics curve (from 0.681 to 0.805, P < 0.001) upon the combination of NHR and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) score for determining the presence of fragility fracture among the study patients.

• In multivariable logistic regression models, elevated NHR level was an independent risk factor for fragility fracture (adjusted OR: 1.924, 95% CI: 1.443–2.564, P < 0.001) when adjusted for alkaline phosphatase and FRAX score.

The authors concluded that – “As a valuable and convenient inflammatory biomarker calculated from routine blood examinations, NHR might help to identify individuals with osteoporosis who are at high risk of fragility fracture.”

MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS

Dr Supreeth D R (MBBS, Dip. Ortho, DNB ortho, MNAMS) is a practicing orthopedician with interest in medical research and publishing articles. He completed MBBS from mysore medical college, dip ortho from Trivandrum medical college and sec. DNB from Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. He has expirence of 7years in the field of orthopedics. He has presented scientific papers & posters in various state, national and international conferences. His interest in writing articles lead the way to join medical dialogues. He can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.