BONE QUALITY IN A YOUNG COHORT OF HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS

Area of Science:

• Bone Metabolism and HIV Research
• Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases

Background:

• HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are associated with increased risk of bone mineral density (BMD) disturbances.
• Understanding factors influencing BMD in HIV+ patients is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate bone quality, specifically BMD, in relation to gender within a Romanian cohort of HIV-positive patients.
• To identify potential correlations between BMD and clinical parameters in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2016-2018 involving 97 HIV+ patients.
• Data collected included HIV/ART history, co-infections, BMI, CD4 count, viral load (VL), and vitamin-D levels.
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to assess BMD at the hip and lumbar spine.

Main Results:

• Osteopenia and osteoporosis were prevalent in both males and females, with varying T-score and Z-score diagnoses.
• In males, low BMD (T-scores and Z-scores) correlated with decreased body mass index (BMI), low vitamin-D levels, and high HIV viral load (VL).
• Gender-specific differences in osteopenia and osteoporosis prevalence were observed at hip and lumbar spine sites.

Conclusions:

• Bone quality assessment in long-term HIV-infected patients requires consideration of multiple contributing factors.
• Gender, BMI, vitamin-D status, and viral load are important considerations in managing bone health in HIV+ individuals.