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Alterations in bone turnover in HIV-positive patients
J Hernández Quero1, N Ortego Centeno, M Muñoz-Torres
1Infectious Disease Unit, University of Granada Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain.
Infection
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients show altered mineral metabolism, with significantly lower osteocalcin levels and urinary calcium. These changes may impact bone health in individuals with HIV/AIDS.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mineral metabolism alterations are increasingly recognized in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- The impact of these metabolic changes on bone turnover and bone mass in HIV-seropositive individuals requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bone turnover and bone mineral density in HIV-seropositive patients.
- To assess biochemical markers related to bone metabolism in this population.
Main Methods:
- Study included 16 HIV-seropositive patients and 27 healthy controls.
- Analysis of biochemical markers of bone turnover (serum osteocalcin, urinary calcium/creatinine ratio).
- Assessment of bone mineral density.
Main Results:
- HIV-seropositive patients exhibited significantly lower serum osteocalcin concentrations compared to controls (0.5 +/- 1.3 ng/ml vs. 2.98 +/- 1.6 ng/ml, p < 0.05).
- A decreased urinary calcium/creatinine ratio was observed in HIV-positive patients (0.10 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.14 +/- 0.09, p < 0.05).
- Bone mass was slightly reduced in HIV-seropositive patients, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection is associated with alterations in bone metabolism, including reduced osteocalcin and urinary calcium.
- The precise mechanisms and clinical significance of these bone metabolic changes in HIV patients remain to be elucidated.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings and potential contributing factors.