Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Low bone mineral density among HIV-infected patients in Brazil
Daniela Cardeal da Silva Chaba1,2,3, Lisméia R Soares4, Rosa M R Pereira5
1Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas, Ambulatório de Imunodeficiência Secundária, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Low bone mineral density (BMD) affects 23% of HIV-infected individuals in São Paulo. Older age and smoking are key risk factors for low BMD in this population.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Infectious Diseases
- Bone Health
Background:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) loss is a recognized complication in individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for osteopenia/osteoporosis in HIV-infected populations is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis among HIV-infected patients in São Paulo.
- To identify associated risk factors for low bone mineral density in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from 108 HIV-infected patients (79 men, 29 women) in São Paulo.
- Bone mineral density (BMD) measurement using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
- Statistical analysis to identify risk factors associated with low BMD.
Main Results:
- 23% of patients exhibited low bone mineral density (LBMD).
- Older age (≥ 50 years) and smoking were significantly associated with LBMD (Relative Risk [RR] 3.87 and 2.80, respectively).
- No statistically significant difference in LBMD was observed between men and women, nor was there a significant relationship with antiretroviral therapy (ART) use or duration.
Conclusions:
- Osteopenia/osteoporosis is prevalent in HIV-infected individuals in São Paulo, with older age and smoking as primary risk factors.
- While ART use did not show a significant association with LBMD in this study, these factors warrant further investigation in larger cohorts.
- Clinical attention to bone health, particularly in older, smoking HIV-positive patients, is recommended.
Abstract:
Decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) has been a complication among people living with HIV/AIDS. To investigate the prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis among HIV-infected people living in São Paulo city, we studied 108 HIV-infected patients (79 men and 29 women). We extracted data from patients' medical records and BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Median age of participants was 42 years (interquartile range [IQR] 36-48 years), and the median time since HIV diagnosis was 4.01 years (IQR 2-11 years). Patients had acquired HIV primarily by the sexual route (men who have sex with men 44%, heterosexual 49%). Median age, duration of HIV infection, duration of ART and CD4 nadir were similar for men and women. Plasma viral load was undetectable for 53 patients (49%). Median CD4 T cell count was 399 cells/µL (IQR 247 - 568). Twenty five patients (23%) had LBMD, and there was no statistically significant difference between men and women (<-1). The associated risk factors for LBMD were older age (≥ 50 years old) and smoking with a RR of 3.87 and 2.80, respectively. Thus, despite the lack of statistically significant relationship between the use of ART and LBMD or between duration of ART and LBMD, these factors should be addressed in larger studies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
01:22Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:15Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients