Objective: The objective of this meta-analysis was to systematically assess the association between aortic calcification (AC) and fractures.
Method: Relevant studies were identified through searching PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases before August 2014. Two investigators extracted data independently from the included studies. A random-effects model was derived to composite the pooled HRs or ORs for association of aortic calcification with fractures.
Results: A total of 15 articles (21927 subjects) were included in the final meta-analyses. Comparing with non-calcification subjects, patients with aortic calcification were associated with increased risk of fractures (OR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.98-4.42). Stratified analysis indicated that patients with aortic calcification showed a higher risk of fractures in hemodialysis patients (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.33-2.67; I2 = 0.0%, p= 0.781) and general population (OR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.80-4.80; I2 = 33.0%, p= 0.225), respectively. Similar significant association between severe aortic calcification and fractures were also observed.
Conclusions: Patients with aortic calcification or severe aortic calcification were associated with higher risk of fractures.
Keywords: Aortic calcification; fractures; meta-analysis.