HIV infection and bone disease
1Dept of Medicine, Cambridge Biomedical Campus Francis Crick Ave, Cambridge CB2 0SL, UK. jec1001@cam.ac.uk.
Abstract:
The success of antiretroviral therapy in treating HIV infection has greatly prolonged life expectancy in affected individuals, transforming the disease into a chronic condition. A number of HIV-associated non-AIDS comorbidities have emerged in the ageing HIV-infected population, including osteoporosis and increased risk of fracture. The pathogenesis of fracture is multifactorial with contributions from both traditional and HIV-specific risk factors. Significant bone loss occurs on initiation of antiretroviral therapy but stabilizes on long-term therapy. Fracture risk assessment should be performed in HIV-infected individuals and bone mineral density measured when indicated. Lifestyle measures to optimize bone health should be advised and, in individuals at high risk of fracture, treatment with bisphosphonates considered.
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