Low bone-mineral density in patients with HIV: pathogenesis and clinical significance

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Low bone-mineral density is a recently recognized metabolic complication of HIV infection and its treatment. While the clinical impact of low bone-mineral density remains uncertain, the prolongation of survival attributable to more effective antiretroviral therapy has contributed to an aging population of HIV-infected patients who may be prone to developing fragility fractures. RECENT FINDINGS: While most of the available data are on young men, recent publications have increased our understanding of the epidemiology of low bone-mineral density and bone loss in HIV-positive women. Most studies suggest that initiation of certain combinations of antiretroviral agents may be associated with moderate bone loss initially, but bone-mineral density usually stabilizes or improves with longer follow-up. Most studies suggest that, despite lower bone-mineral density, fragility fractures are relatively uncommon in HIV-positive patients, perhaps because of their relative youth. SUMMARY: The pathogenesis of low bone-mineral density in HIV-positive patients is complex and multifactorial, and its clinical impact remains unclear. Further research is needed to clarify the approach to optimal screening and treatment of osteoporosis in the setting of HIV infection.