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Reduced bone density in HIV-infected women
Sara E Dolan1, Jeannie S Huang, Kathleen M Killilea
1Neuroendocrine Unit and Program in Nutritional Metabolism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
AIDS (London, England)
|April 20, 2004
Summary
HIV-infected women have significantly lower bone density compared to healthy controls. This study highlights the need for bone density screening in HIV-infected women due to increased osteopenia risk.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Limited data exists on bone density in HIV-infected women.
- Previous research focused primarily on HIV-infected men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare bone density in HIV-infected women versus healthy female controls.
- To identify potential contributing factors to bone density reduction in this population.
Main Methods:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure bone density.
- 84 ambulatory HIV-infected women and 63 healthy women were included.
- Subjects were matched for age, BMI, and race.
Main Results:
- HIV-infected women showed reduced lumbar spine and total hip bone density (p<0.05).
- Osteopenia was more prevalent in HIV-infected women (54% vs 30%, p=0.004).
- Increased markers of bone turnover (urinary NTx, osteoprotegerin) were observed in HIV-infected women.
Conclusions:
- HIV-infected women exhibit decreased bone density and higher rates of osteopenia.
- Nutritional status, hormonal function, and body composition may influence bone density.
- Bone density testing is recommended for HIV-infected women with risk factors for osteopenia.