Association of Low Birth Weight with Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Occurrence in Postmenopausal Women
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Low birth weight (LBW) has been associated with impaired skeletal development and low peak bone mass. However, the association between LBW and fracture risk in postmenopausal women remains un-clear. We analyzed prospectively collected data from the population-based Osteoporosis Risk Factor and Pre-vention (OSTPRE) cohort, including women aged >50 years. Birth weight was categorized as LBW (<2500 g) or normal birth weight (≥2500 g). Fracture outcomes were analyzed using standardized inci-dence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Bone mineral density (BMD) trajectories were assessed using linear mixed-effects models. There were 635 women in the LBW group and 9387 in the normal birth weight group. During follow-up, a total of 8453 fractures occurred. Women with LBW had an 18% higher risk of vertebral fractures (SIR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01–1.39), a 20% higher risk of vertebral or hip fractures combined (SIR 1.20, 95% CI 1.06–1.38), and an 11% higher risk of any osteoporotic fracture (SIR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.22) compared with women with normal birth weight. Hip fracture risk was borderline increased (SIR 1.25, 95% CI 0.99–1.59). No significant differences in BMD levels or age-related BMD decline were observed between the groups. LBW was associated with increased fracture risk in postmenopausal women despite similar BMD trajecto-ries. These findings suggest that adverse early-life conditions may have long-term effects on skeletal fra-gility independent of later-life BMD.
Source: Calcified Tissue International
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,990
OpenAlex ID: W7225723146