Equivalent osteopenia in HIV-infected individuals studied before and during the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

Chronic viral hepatitis is associated with low bone mineral density in HIV-infected patients, ANRS CO 3 Aquitaine Cohort

BACKGROUND

High prevalence rates of low bone mineral density (BMD) have been reported in people living with HIV infection. We aimed to investigate the association of chronic viral hepatitis with low BMD in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS

A hospital-based cohort of HIV-infected patients was screened for hepatitis B and C coinfection. BMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. T-score was used to define bone status according to the World Health Organization's classification; moreover, each observed BMD value was compared with reference to an average person of the same age and gender as a Z-score <-2.0 allow the diagnosis of patients having less bone mass and/or losing bone material more rapidly than expected. A polytomial logistic regression was performed by gender to investigate the association between chronic viral hepatitis and low BMD (osteopenia and osteoporosis) in HIV-infected patients.

RESULTS

A total of 626 patients (166 females of whom 52 postmenopausal) were recruited: 357 HIV monoinfected, and 269 HIV-coinfected with chronic viral hepatitis, among whom 61 with a diagnosis of cirrhosis. Osteopenia was present in 320 patients (51.1%) and osteoporosis in 187 (29.9%). After adjustment, osteoporosis was associated with older age and low body mass index in both genders. The association between chronic viral hepatitis B or C and osteoporosis was found in women only (odds ratio: 19.0; P value: 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a high prevalence of low BMD overall, but chronic viral hepatitis was independently associated with osteoporosis only in female participants. Our data confirm the need of BMD evaluations for patients living with HIV.

Prevalence and risk factors of osteopenia/osteoporosis in Turkish HIV/AIDS patients

BACKGROUND

Recent studies showed a high frequency of low bone mineral density (BMD) in HIV-infected patients and no reports have been issued in Turkey. Our aim was to evaluate BMD and risk factors for osteopenia/osteoporosis in HIV-infected patients that attended an outpatient clinic in Istanbul, Turkey.

METHOD

In order to determine the prevalence of BMD, 126 HIV-infected patients had been studied with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The association between BMD and age, gender, body mass index (BMI), habits, 25(OH)vitamin D, HIV RNA, CD4 lymphocyte nadir, using and duration of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) were investigated by using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Median age was 40.1 years (range, 20-70); 84% were male; 35.7% patients had AIDS, 63.5% were treated with HAART. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were diagnosed in 53.9% and 23.8%, respectively. Mean plasma HIV RNA was 5.2 (SD 1.0) log10 copies/mL and CD4 lymphocyte nadir was 313.8 (SD 226.2)/mm(3). Factors associated with bone loss were high viral load (p=0.034), using (p=0.033) and duration of HAART (p=0.008). No correlation had been seen between sex and osteopenia/osteoporosis (p=0.794). However, males showed higher rates of osteoporosis than females (p=0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show a very high prevalence of bone mass reduction in Turkish HIV-infected patients. This study supports the importance of both HIV and antiretroviral therapy in low BMD.

Bone mineral density in HIV-infected women taking antiretroviral therapy: a systematic review

There is a high prevalence of osteoporosis in HIV-infected patients. Initially described in HIV-positive men, studies have also demonstrated a high prevalence of osteoporosis in HIV-infected women. It would appear that antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in HIV-infected patients, although little is known about its importance in relation to osteoporosis and fractures in HIV-positive women. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the frequency of bone loss, bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures in HIV-positive women taking ART or protease inhibitors (PI). After screening 597 citations from the databases of PubMed, EMBASE and Lilacs, five studies were selected for the review. A difference was demonstrated of over 3% in the BMD at the femoral neck of HIV-positive women taking PI/ART. No difference was registered in the BMD at the lumbar spine between users and non-users of PI/ART. The lack of studies has made it impossible to reach any conclusion regarding the occurrence of fractures.

Greater decrease in bone mineral density with protease inhibitor regimens compared with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor regimens in HIV-1 infected naive patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the change in bone mineral density (BMD) at specific sites in patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in a substudy of the ANRS 121 trial.

METHODS

Antiretroviral-naive patients were randomized (2: 1: 1) into three treatment strategy arms: a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and a boosted protease inhibitor (PI/r), a PI/r and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) or an NNRTI and NRTIs. Hip and lumbar spine standardized BMD were evaluated at baseline and week 48 by dual X-ray absorptiometry by a central reading laboratory.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients were enrolled: 36 in the PI/r and NNRTI, 19 in the PI/r and NRTIs and 16 in the NNRTI and NRTIs arms. Baseline characteristics were [median (interquartile range)]: male (77%), age 40 years (33-49), 69% white, 58% smokers, BMI 23 kg/m2 (21-24), CD4 cell count 219 cells/microl (144-285). In the arms with NRTIs, 86% of patients received zidovudine/lamivudine. At baseline, 31% had osteopenia and 3% had osteoporosis. At week 48, there was a mean change in BMD of -4.1 +/- 3.9% at lumbar spine and -2.8 +/- 4.7% at hip (both P< or = 0.001). The decrease of BMD at lumbar spine was significantly worse in the PI/r and NNRTI arm (-4.4 +/- 3.4%) and in the PI/r and NRTIs arm (-5.8 +/- 4.5%) compared with the NNRTI and NRTIs arm (-1.5 +/- 2.9%), P = 0.007 and P = 0.001, respectively.

CONCLUSION

BMD was impaired in 34% of patients, before starting any antiretrovirals. After 1 year, the decrease in lumbar spine BMD was more pronounced in patients receiving either PI/r-containing regimen compared with NNRTI and NRTIs. BMD at specific sites should be monitored during lifelong antiretroviral therapy.

Is PPARγ a prospective player in HIV-1-associated bone disease?

Currently infection with the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) is in most instances a chronic disease that can be controlled by effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, chronic use of ART has been associated with a number of toxicities; including significant reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) and disorders of the fat metabolism. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) transcription factor is vital for the development and maintenance of mature and developing adipocytes. Alterations in PPARγ expression have been implicated as a factor in the mechanism of HIV-1-associated lipodystrophy. Both reduced BMD and lipodystrophy have been well described as complications of HIV-1 infection and treatment, and a question remains as to their interdependence. Interestingly, both adipocytes and osteoblasts are derived from a common precursor cell type; the mesenchymal stem cell. The possibility that dysregulation of PPARγ (and the subsequent effect on both osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis) is a contributory factor in the lipid- and bone-abnormalities observed in HIV-1 infection and treatment has also been investigated. This review deals with the hypothesis that dysregulation of PPARγ may underpin the bone abnormalities associated with HIV-1 infection, and treats the current knowledge and prospective developments, in our understanding of PPARγ involvement in HIV-1-associated bone disease.

Evolution and predictors of change in total bone mineral density over time in HIV-infected men and women in the nutrition for healthy living study

BACKGROUND

Osteopenia is common in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), yet the etiology is unclear. We evaluated the association of host factors, disease severity, and ART to changes in total body bone mineral density (total BMD) over time in HIV-infected men (n = 283) and women (n = 96).

METHODS

Total BMD was measured annually by whole-body dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA), and medical, dietary, and behavioral history was collected. The median time from first to last DXA was 2.5 years (range 0.9-6.8 years). Using a repeated measures regression model, we identified variables independently associated with percent change in total BMD between consecutive DXA exams (n = 799 intervals), adjusted for age, race, sex, menopause, and smoking. We estimated percent change in total BMD over an average interval (1 year) standardized for representative levels of each determinant in males, premenopausal women, and postmenopausal women.

RESULTS

Median baseline age, CD4, and viral load were 42 years, 364 cells per cubic millimeter, and 2.7 log10 copies per milliliter, respectively. The estimated change in total BMD for those not on ART was -0.37% per year [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.76 to -0.02] for men, -0.08% per year (95% CI -0.49 to 0.33) for premenopausal women, and -1.07% per year (95% CI -1.86 to -0.28) for postmenopausal women. Greater loss of total BMD was associated with lower albumin, lower body mass index, prednisone/hydrocortisone use, tenofovir use, and longer duration of didanosine. Strength training and long duration of d4T and saquinavir prevented or mitigated bone loss. For those on ART for 3 years (not including the above agents), the rate of loss was -0.57% per year (95% CI -1.00 to -0.14) for men, -0.28% (95% CI -0.71 to 0.15) for premenopausal women, and -1.27% (95% CI -2.07 to -0.47) for postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women had greater loss than premenopausal women and men.

CONCLUSIONS

Low body weight, low albumin, catabolic steroid use, and menopause may accelerate bone loss, and strength training may be protective. Tenofovir and didanosine may also have a deleterious effect on BMD.

Fracture healing in HIV-positive populations

Highly active anti-retroviral therapy has transformed HIV into a chronic disease with a long-term asymptomatic phase. As a result, emphasis is shifting to other effects of the virus, aside from immunosuppression and mortality. We have reviewed the current evidence for an association between HIV infection and poor fracture healing.

The increased prevalence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in HIV patients is well recognised. The suggestion that this may be purely as a result of highly active anti-retroviral therapy has been largely rejected. Apart from directly impeding cellular function in bone remodelling, HIV infection is known to cause derangement in the levels of those cytokines involved in fracture healing (particularly tumour necrosis factor-α) and appears to impair the blood supply of bone.

Many other factors complicate this issue, including a reduced body mass index, suboptimal nutrition, the effects of anti-retroviral drugs and the avoidance of operative intervention because of high rates of wound infection. However, there are sound molecular and biochemical hypotheses for a direct relationship between HIV infection and impaired fracture healing, and the rewards for further knowledge in this area are extensive in terms of optimised fracture management, reduced patient morbidity and educated resource allocation. Further investigation in this area is overdue.

CLINICAL Review # : low body weight mediates the relationship between HIV infection and low bone mineral density: a meta-analysis

CONTEXT

HIV infection has been associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in many cross-sectional studies, although longitudinal studies have not demonstrated accelerated bone loss. The cross-sectional studies may have been confounded by the failure to control for low body weight in HIV-infected patients.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine whether low body weight might explain the association of HIV infection with low BMD.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for English language studies published from 1966 to March 2007, and conference abstracts prior to 2007 were hand-searched.

STUDY SELECTION

All studies reporting BMD and weight or body mass index in adult patients with HIV and a healthy age- and sex-comparable control group were included. Nine of 40 identified studies and one of 68 identified abstracts were eligible.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We adjusted for the between-groups weight differences using regression coefficients from published cohorts of healthy men and women. On average, HIV-infected patients were 5.1 kg [95% confidence interval (CI), -6.8, -3.4; P < 0.001] lighter than controls. At all skeletal sites, unadjusted BMD was lower by 4.4-7.0% in the HIV-infected groups than the controls (P < 0.01). After adjustment for body weight, residual between-groups differences in BMD were small (2.2-4.7%) [lumbar spine, -0.02 (95% CI, -0.05, 0.01) g/cm2; P = 0.12; total hip, -0.02 (95% CI, -0.04, 0.00) g/cm2; P = 0.031; femoral neck, -0.04 (95% CI, -0.07, -0.01) g/cm2; P = 0.013; and total body, -0.03 (95% CI, -0.07, 0.01) g/cm2, P = 0.11].

CONCLUSION

HIV-infected patients are lighter than controls and low body weight may largely account for the high prevalence of low BMD reported in HIV-infected patients. However, in the setting of current treatment practice, HIV infection per se is not a risk factor for low BMD.

The association of bone mineral density with HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment in women

BACKGROUND

Low bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in HIV-infected women and men.

METHODS

We analysed cross-sectional BMD measured by regional dual X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) in 152 HIV-negative and 274 HIV-positive (HIV+) women, adjusted for traditional low BMD risk factors.

RESULTS

BMD was significantly lower in protease inhibitor (PI) users than in all other groups, and highest in HIV-negative women. In multivariate analyses the prevalence of T-score < -1.0 was significantly higher in the HIV+ women naive to antiretroviral therapy (ART; odds ratio [OR] 4.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.61, 11.8) and the women receiving PI-containing HAART (OR 3.72, CI 1.43, 9.68), with a non-significant difference in non-PI HAART users (OR 2.43, CI 0.92, 6.45), compared with HIV-negative women. In pair-wise adjusted comparisons, BMD was lower in ART-naive than in HIV-negative women (1.22 versus 1.30 g/cm2 at LS; P = 0.004), in PI compared with non-PI HAART users (1.00 versus 1.05 g/cm2 at FN; P = 0.014) and with those ART-naive (1.00 versus 1.03 g/cm2 at FN; P = 0.146). Potential confounders, including duration of ART, prior treatment regimens and traditional risk factors for low BMD did not explain these differences. Longer lopinavir use was significantly correlated with lower BMD (r2 = -0.39, P = 0.024 and r2 = -0.46, P = 0.006 at LS and FN, respectively) and longer efavirenz use with higher BMD (r2 = +0.32, P = 0.004 at FN).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV infection was associated with lower BMD in women, independent of the traditional risk factors for low BMD. PI-containing HAART compared with non-PI-containing HAART, and longer lopinavir use, were both associated with lower BMD, and efavirenz use was associated with higher BMD.

Osteoporosis in haemophilia - an underestimated comorbidity?

A relationship between haemophilia and osteoporosis has been suggested, leading to the initiative for a larger study assessing this issue. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by osteodensitometry using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in 62 male patients with severe haemophilia A; mean age 41 +/- 13.1 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 23.5 +/- 3.6 kg m(-2). Using the clinical score suggested by the World Federation of Hemophilia, all patients were assessed to determine the severity of their arthropathy. A reduced BMD defined as osteopenia and osteoporosis by World Health Organization criteria was detected in 27/62 (43.5%) and 16/62 (25.8%) patients, respectively. Fifty-five of sixty-two (88.7%) patients suffered from haemophilic arthropathy. An increased number of affected joints and/or an increased severity were associated with lower BMD in the neck of femur. Pronounced muscle atrophy and loss of joint movement were also associated with low BMD. Furthermore, hepatitis C, low BMI and age were found to be additional risk factors for reduced BMD in the haemophiliac. Our data shows that in haemophilic patients osteoporosis represents a frequent concomitant observation. The main cause for reduced bone mass in the haemophiliac is most probably the haemophilic arthropathy being typically associated with chronic pain and loss of joint function subsequently leading to inactivity. Further studies including control groups are necessary to elucidate the impact of comorbidities such as hepatitis C or HIV on the development of osteoporosis in the haemophiliac.

Bone mineral density remains stable in HAART-treated HIV-infected men over 2 years

OBJECTIVE

Recently we reported that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Caucasian men treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have normal weight-adjusted bone mineral density (BMD), in contrast to most other cross-sectional analyses, which have reported low BMD in HIV-infected patients. We have now addressed the question of whether there is accelerated BMD loss over time in HIV-infected men.

DESIGN

A 2-year, prospective, longitudinal study.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-three HAART-treated, HIV-infected men and 26 healthy controls.

MEASUREMENTS

All participants had measurements of BMD and bone-related laboratory parameters at baseline, and a repeat measurement of BMD at 2 years.

RESULTS

In the HIV-infected men the mean age was 47 years, the mean duration of infection was 8.2 years, and the mean duration of HAART was 54 months. Over 2 years of follow-up, BMD increased from baseline in the HIV-infected men by 2.6% at the lumbar spine (P = 0.05 vs. baseline), and remained stable at the total hip (mean change 0.1%, P > 0.99) and total body (mean change 0.6%, P = 0.39). Mean changes in BMD in the control group were 1.4% at the lumbar spine, -0.1% at the total hip, and -0.8% at the total body. The HIV-infected men lost less total body BMD than the control group (P = 0.01). In the HIV-infected men, body weight remained stable over 2 years while fat mass decreased and lean mass tended to increase, whereas in the controls, body weight and fat mass increased while lean mass remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

Accelerated bone loss does not occur in HIV-infected men treated with HAART. Monitoring of BMD in HIV-infected men may not be necessary.

HIV1 protease inhibitors selectively induce inflammatory chemokine expression in primary human osteoblasts

HIV-infected patients are at increased risk of decreased bone mineral density. Several studies have implicated antiretroviral therapy as a contributor to the decreased bone mineral density seen in treated HIV-1 patients. Whilst the exact molecular mechanisms underlying decreased bone density remain to be elucidated, inflammation has been postulated to be an important pathogenomic mechanism. In this study, we have explored primary human osteoblast gene expression in response to protease inhibitors (PIs), by oligonucleotide microarray analysis. A list of dysregulated genes, correlated with the inflammatory response, increased significantly after NFV and RTV exposure. Analysis of gene and protein expression determined a selectively increase of the pro-inflammatory cytokines monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and interleukin-8 (IL-8) following exposure to a pharmacological concentration of NFV and RTV. These data suggested that generation of local inflammatory cascades may contribute to the development of decreased bone mineral density in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-treated HIV patients.

Antiretroviral therapy and the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis: a meta-analytic review

INTRODUCTION

Prevalence estimates of osteopenia and osteoporosis (reduced bone mineral density; BMD) in HIV-infected patients and the role of antiretroviral therapy (ART) varies in the literature.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analytical review of cross-sectional studies published in English to determine the pooled odds ratios (OR) of reduced BMD and osteoporosis in the following groups: HIV-positive versus HIV-negative; ART-treated versus ART-naive; protease inhibitor (PI)-treated versus PI-untreated. We searched the MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE databases for eligible references between January 1966 and November 2005. Random effects models were used to generate pooled OR estimates and confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Of 37 articles identified, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Of the 884 HIV-infected patients, 67% had reduced BMD, of whom 15% had osteoporosis, yielding a pooled OR of 6.4 and 3.7, respectively, compared with HIV-uninfected controls (n = 654) using 11 studies with available data. Compared with ART-naive patients (n = 202, 10 studies), ART-treated individuals (n = 824) had a 2.5-fold increased odds of prevalent reduced BMD. The risk of prevalent osteoporosis (seven studies) was similarly elevated in ART-treated individuals. Compared with non-PI-treated HIV patients (n = 410, 14 studies), PI-treated patients (n = 791) had increased odds of reduced BMD and osteoporosis (12 studies). Few studies adjusted for important covariates such as HIV disease severity or treatment duration.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of osteoporosis in HIV-infected individuals is more than three times greater compared with HIV-uninfected controls. ART-exposed and PI-exposed individuals had a higher prevalence of reduced BMD and osteoporosis compared with their respective controls. The influence of other disease and treatment variables on these estimates could not be determined.

Bone mineral density is not reduced in HIV-infected Caucasian men treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have reported low bone mineral density (BMD) in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Frequently these findings have been attributed to treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We sought to determine whether BMD in HIV-infected men treated with HAART for at least 3 months is different from that in healthy controls, and, if so, what HIV-related factors might explain this finding.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis.

PATIENTS

Fifty-nine HIV-infected Caucasian men treated with HAART, and 118 healthy community-dwelling controls. Each HIV-infected man was age-matched (within 5 years) to two controls.

MEASUREMENTS

All participants had measurements of BMD and bone-related laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

The mean duration of known HIV infection was 8.5 years, and of treatment with HAART was 52 months. There was no significant difference in mean BMD between groups at the lumbar spine (HIV group: 1.23 g/cm2, controls: 1.25 g/cm2; P = 0.53) or total body (HIV group: 1.18 g/cm2, controls: 1.20 g/cm2; P = 0.09). At the total hip the HIV-infected group had significantly lower BMD than the control group (HIV group: 1.03 g/cm2, controls: 1.09 g/cm2; P = 0.01). The HIV-infected group were, on average, 6.3 kg lighter than the controls. After adjusting for this weight difference, HIV infection was not an independent predictor of BMD at any site (lumbar spine P = 0.79; total hip P = 0.18; total body P = 0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-infected men treated with HAART are lighter than healthy controls. This weight difference is responsible for a small decrement in hip BMD. Overall, BMD is not significantly reduced in HIV-infected Caucasian men treated with HAART.

Osteopenia and osteoporosis in patients with HIV: a review of current concepts

Since the advent of potent antiretroviral therapy in combination regimens, multiple epidemiologic studies have shown that osteopenia and osteoporosis are common among patients with HIV infection. However, there remain many areas of uncertainty about this potential complication, which can be confusing for the HIV clinician. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, suggested screening strategies, and management options of decreased bone mineral density in patients with HIV. Our aims are to review the available data, highlight controversial issues, and provide guidance for clinicians where supporting data are unavailable.

Ethnic variations in the prevalence of metabolic bone disease among HIV-positive patients with lipodystrophy

A high prevalence of metabolic bone disease and osteonecrosis among HIV+ patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been reported in predominantly white cohorts. We examined bone health in an ethnically diverse cohort of 23 African-Americans and 21 non-African-Americans who were mean (standard deviation) age 45 (7) years old, 66% male, and on HAART for 34 (28) months. Non-African-Americans were more likely to have osteopenia or osteoporosis (59%) compared to African-Americans (26%) (p = 0.09). The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (< 34 ng/ml) and elevated i-PTH (>65 pg/ml) was 79% and 20%, respectively. Higher mean urinary N-telopeptide levels were found in non-African-Americans [58 (34) nmol BCE/mmol] compared to African-Americans [41 (18) nmol BCE/mmol] (p = 0.09). Magnetic resonance imaging identified one African-American subject (3%) with bilateral asymptomatic hip osteonecrosis. Our findings suggest that the burden of metabolic bone disease in HIV+ patients with HAART-associated lipodystrophy may be greater in whites than in African-Americans. Studies to examine ethnic variations in bone metabolism are necessary to devise optimal interventions.

Bone mass and mineral metabolism in HIV+ postmenopausal women

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for osteoporosis in HIV+ postmenopausal women. Bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and biochemical indices of mineral metabolism were measured in 31 Hispanic and African American HIV+ postmenopausal women. BMD was compared with 186 historical controls, matched for age, ethnicity and postmenopausal status. Mean BMD was significantly lower at the lumbar spine and total hip in the HIV+ group, as compared with controls. Prevalence of osteoporosis was higher in the HIV+ group than controls at the lumbar spine (42% vs 23%, p =0.03) and total hip (10% vs 1%, p =0.003). Among HIV+ women, time since menopause and weight were significant predictors of BMD, while duration or class of antiretroviral therapy (ART), AIDS diagnosis, nadir CD4, steroid use, and vitamin D deficiency were not. Prevalence of osteoporosis is substantially higher in HIV+ Hispanic and African-American postmenopausal women than in controls. Established osteoporosis risk factors were more important in predicting BMD than factors associated with HIV infection and ART. Long-term management of the growing female HIV population should include the evaluation for and management of osteoporosis.

Predictors of bone mineral density in human immunodeficiency virus-1 infected children

OBJECTIVES

To compare bone mineral density (BMD) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children with population norms and to determine predictors of BMD in HIV-infected children.

METHODS

Total body BMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in 37 HIV-infected children and nine sibling controls at baseline. Clinical, dietary and anthropometric data were obtained at the time of the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry examination. Age- and gender-adjusted z scores were calculated for BMD, body mass index, weight and height from population standards. Age-adjusted percentiles were determined for dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D. Differences in BMD z scores between HIV-infected children and sibling controls were determined and adjusted for height and weight, as were independent risk factors for lower BMD among infected children. Eighteen HIV-infected children and 5 controls had serial BMD measures.

RESULTS

Compared with population norms, HIV-infected children had significantly lower BMD z scores (-0.51 SD, P = 0.004), in contrast with controls who had normal z scores (0.38 SD, P = 1.0). However, there was no difference in BMD z scores between HIV-infected children and the small number of sibling controls, adjusted for height and weight. Among HIV-infected children, lower BMD z scores were independently associated with lower weight z scores (P < 0.0001), lower height z scores (P = 0.01), advanced (stage B or C) HIV stage (P = 0.01) and age greater than 8 years (P < 0.0001). In the same model, multivitamin use (P = 0.009) and African American race (P = 0.001) were associated with better BMD z scores, with nevirapine use showing borderline positive effect (P = 0.06). All results were adjusted for Tanner stage. Change in BMD z score over time showed that there was no change or an increase in BMD in 100% of controls but in only 44% of the HIV-infected children (P = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

When compared with population norms, HIV-infected children had lower than expected bone mass for their age and gender that may be attributable to delays in growth, sexual maturity, time (length of HIV infection), ethnicity and disease severity. Dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D were not associated with bone loss, but most children had suboptimal intake. However, multivitamin use was strongly associated with better bone mineral density.

Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Infected Children: The Metabolic Cost of Improved Survival

Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has positively altered the morality rates in HIV-infected children, these drugs have the potential to cause significant morbidity. These drugs cause changes in fat distribution, lipid profiles, glucose, homeostasis, and bone turnover. The direct relationship between duration of drug exposure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease is particularly concerning for HIV-infected infants and children, who likely will have longer cumulative exposure to HAART. It is unclear whether the metabolic effects of decades of exposure would be reversible with cessation of therapy. The benefits of HAART in HIV infection are indisputable, but the impetus to find a cure or design more tolerable therapy is clear. Infarction may replace infection as the major cause of morbidity and mortality from HIV.

Osteoprotegerin and bone turnover markers in heavily pretreated HIV-infected patients

OBJECTIVES

To characterize osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels, bone remodelling and bone mineral density (BMD) in heavily pretreated HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy, and to evaluate the clinical factors associated with bone density decline.

METHODS

Heavily pretreated (> 5 years) HIV-positive patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional, observational study, which was based on a total body bone densitometry examination and a comprehensive evaluation of bone and mineral parameters.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients (55 male and 13 female) with a median age of 41 years (range 25-60 years) were included in the study. Their antiretroviral treatment lasted for 82 months. On the basis of the World Health Organization criteria, nine patients (13.2%) were osteoporotic [T-score < -2.5 standard deviation (SD)] and 19 patients (27.9%) were osteopenic (T-score between -1 and -2.5). The principal outcomes associated with the presence of a low BMD were high OPG and lysylpyridinoline/creatinine ratio (Dpd) values. Most of the patients (39 of 48; 81.25%) showed vitamin D insufficiency [Vitamin D (25(OH)D) < 18 ng/mL] with secondary hyperparathyroidism (13 of 50 patients: 26%), which proved to be correlated to osteocalcin (BGP) levels [parathyroid hormone (PTH) vs. BGP: r = 0.34; P < 0.01]. There was an inverse correlation between T-scores and serum osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels, on one hand, and Dpd, on the other. High AP and Dpd values were associated with relative risks of 4.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-17.6] and 7.2 (95% CI = 1.67-31.03), respectively, of a pathological T-score. Multivariate analysis revealed that the factors associated with the presence of osteopenia or osteoporosis were older age and lower body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

About 40% of our heavily pretreated subjects with advanced HIV infection had a low BMD, and 56% (24 of 44 patients) showed a high bone turnover rate with marked osteoclast activation. High OPG levels may protect against bone resorption.

Alendronate, Vitamin D, and Calcium for the Treatment of Osteopenia/Osteoporosis Associated With HIV Infection

BACKGROUND

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are frequent complications of HIV infection and/or its treatment. Alendronate is the only bisphosphonate approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in men and women. We conducted a 48-week prospective, randomized, open-label study to evaluate the effects of alendronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with HIV infection.

METHODS

Thirty-one HIV-infected subjects with lumbar spine BMD t-scores less than -1.0 on antiretroviral therapy for a minimum of 6 months were randomized to receive (n = 15) or not to receive (n = 16) 70 mg of alendronate weekly for 48 weeks. All subjects received calcium (1000 mg daily as calcium carbonate) and vitamin D supplementation (400 IU daily). The study was powered to detect 3% changes in BMD in the lumbar spine within arms at 48 weeks.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were enrolled; most were male, with an average length of HIV infection of 8 years. Eighty-four percent had an HIV RNA load below 400 copies/mL, with a current median CD4+ T-cell count of 561 cells/mm3 (median nadir CD4 cell count of 167 cells/mm). At baseline, the median t-score in the lumbar spine was -1.52 and the median t-score in the hip was -1.02. Alendronate in combination with vitamin D and calcium increased lumbar spine BMD by 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-6.4) at 48 weeks compared with an increase of 1.3% (95% CI: -2.4 to 4.0) in subjects receiving vitamin D and calcium alone. One subject discontinued treatment in each arm. There were no serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Alendronate, vitamin D, and calcium are safe and potentially useful in the treatment of osteopenia/osteoporosis associated with HIV infection.

Sex and the course of HIV infection in the pre- and highly active antiretroviral therapy eras

We reviewed the available literature on the potential effects of sex on the course of HIV infection and found that there is little evidence for sex differences in the rate of disease progression in the pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and HAART era. Compared to men, women appeared to have lower HIV RNA levels and higher CD4 cell counts shortly after infection with HIV, but studies were inconclusive regarding whether these differences diminish over time. Differences in viral load or CD4+ cell count might cause women to delay initiation of HAART. Nonetheless, we found no substantial sex difference in the benefit of antiretroviral therapy. The studies we reviewed failed to find any harmful effect of pregnancy on HIV disease progression. With the availability of effective antiretroviral agents, HIV-infected women have increasingly decided to have children. Conflicting results exist on the effect of HAART on regression of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). Unlike CIN, invasive cervical cancer has not been found to be much higher in HIV-infected women than in HIV-uninfected women. Although publication bias cannot be ruled out, published studies suggest higher rates of adverse events among HIV-infected women on therapy as compared to men. As more pharmacological agents are developed, it is especially important that potential sex differences in pharmacodynamics are assessed. The relationship between metabolic abnormalities, changes in body habitus, and endocrine perturbations has not been extensively studied. Whether sex differences are due to unalterable genetic factors or social and environmental conditions, it is imperative that all HIV-infected individuals have equal access to interventions that can slow disease progression.

Adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy: focus on bone density

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are the most important bone disorders affecting patients with HIV infection. The available data indicate that HIV-infected patients have a high prevalence of low bone mineral density. Reduced bone mass and alterations of bone metabolism have been found in HIV-infected children, adolescents and adults. The variety and complexity of changes in bone metabolism in patients with HIV infection and the different possible mechanisms triggering bone mineral loss, as well as the different stages of disease and cumulative exposure to antiretroviral drugs at the time of clinical evaluation, may contribute to the wide range of mineral loss observed and to the uncertainty of the role of specific antiretroviral medications.

Symptomatic bone disorders in HIV-infected patients: incidence in the Aquitaine cohort (1999-2002)

BACKGROUND

Since the inception of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), mortality among HIV-infected patients has decreased, but this has been accompanied by the appearance of several complications.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the incidence of symptomatic bone disorders in HIV-infected patients of the Aquitaine cohort (from south-west France) for the period 1999-2002, and to describe cases.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied the records of 2700 patients of the Aquitaine cohort, which was derived from a hospital-based surveillance system of HIV infection in France. All cases of symptomatic bone disorders diagnosed from 1 January 1999 to 30 June 2002 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Fourteen cases of bone disorders were diagnosed, eight cases of aseptic osteonecrosis and six cases of severe osteoporosis, representing incidences of 0.3/1000 patient-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14-0.62] and 0.22/1000 patient-years (95% CI: 0.09-0.52), respectively. All patients with aseptic osteonecrosis were male, while all but one with osteoporosis were female. The ages of patients ranged from 36 to 54 years for osteonecrosis and from 39 to 50 for severe osteoporosis. At the time of clinical diagnosis, all patients were treated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (duration of treatment ranging from 19 to 123 months for osteonecrosis and from 46 to 132 months for severe osteoporosis). Ten patients were treated with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors [duration of treatment ranging from 6 to 31 months for osteonecrosis (n=6) and from 4 to 29 months for severe osteoporosis (n=4)]. Thirteen patients were treated with protease inhibitors [duration of treatment ranging from 12 to 62 months for osteonecrosis (n=8) and from 3 to 44 months for severe osteoporosis (n=5)]. All osteonecrosis and five osteoporosis patients had at least one known risk factor or comorbidity associated with the bone disorder occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the aetiology of clinical bone disorders seemed to be multifactorial, as almost all the patients had at least one possible risk factor in addition to HAART exposure.

Fragility fractures in HIV-infected patients: need for better understanding of diagnosis and management

HIV infection, AIDS, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been associated with bone fragility fractures, although the prevalence and incidence are not well studied by researchers. In HIV and ART, osteopenia and osteoporosis are multifactorial, and health promotion or medical health maintenance should anticipate and prevent morbidity of bone fragility fractures.

Bone Disorders Associated with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Pathogenesis and Management

Bone disorders such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and osteonecrosis have been reported in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but the etiology and mechanism of these disorders are unknown. The prevalence estimates vary widely among studies and may be influenced by the presence or absence of antiretroviral therapy and lipodystrophy, severity of HIV disease, and overlapping bone loss risk factors. Addressing potential underlying bone disease risk factors (e.g., smoking and alcohol intake), evaluating calcium and vitamin D intake, and performing dual x-ray absorptiometry in patients with HIV who have risks for bone disease are important strategies in preventing osteopenia and osteoporosis in HIV-infected patients. Management of osteopenia and osteoporosis is still being evaluated. Administration of bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate), with calcium and vitamin D supplementation, may be reasonable in treating osteoporosis; however, surgical intervention is the only method for treating symptomatic osteonecrosis.

Biological effects of short-term or prolonged administration of 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine (tenofovir) to newborn and infant rhesus macaques

The reverse transcriptase inhibitor 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine (PMPA; tenofovir) was previously found to offer strong prophylactic and therapeutic benefits in an infant macaque model of pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We now summarize the toxicity and safety of PMPA in these studies. When a range of PMPA doses (4 to 30 mg/kg of body weight administered subcutaneously once daily) was administered to 39 infant macaques for a short period of time (range, 1 day to 12 weeks), no adverse effects on their health or growth were observed; this included a subset of 12 animals which were monitored for more than 2 years. In contrast, daily administration of a high dose of PMPA (30 mg/kg subcutaneously) for prolonged periods of time (>8 to 21 months) to 13 animals resulted in a Fanconi-like syndrome (proximal renal tubular disorder) with glucosuria, aminoaciduria, hypophosphatemia, growth restriction, bone pathology (osteomalacia), and reduced clearance of PMPA. The adverse effects were reversible or were alleviated following either complete withdrawal of PMPA treatment or reduction of the daily regimen from 30 mg/kg to 2.5 to 10 mg/kg subcutaneously. Finally, to evaluate the safety of a prolonged low-dose treatment regimen, two newborn macaques were started on a 10-mg/kg/day subcutaneous regimen; these animals are healthy and have normal bone density and growth after 5 years of daily treatment. In conclusion, our findings suggest that chronic daily administration of a high dose of PMPA results in adverse effects on kidney and bone, while short-term administration of relatively high doses and prolonged low-dose administration are safe.

Principles of antiretroviral treatment of children and adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection requires life-long therapy to attain durable suppression of HIV replication and prevent or reverse HIV-related symptoms or immune system dysfunction. Combination therapy with 3 or more antiretroviral medications is currently widely recommended for treatment of children and adolescents with HIV infection. While potent regimens can initially reduce virus load to below assay quantitation limits in the majority of persons with HIV infection, 30% to 80% of children will have regimen failure and return of detectable plasma virus within 1 year. Adherence to therapy is critical to regimen success. Optimal treatment requires careful use of potent combinations of drugs, with attention to adherence, palatability, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics. Practitioners with experience caring for children and adolescents with HIV infection should be involved.

HIV Lipodystrophy Syndrome: A Primer

Treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been implicated in the development of anthropomorphic and metabolic abnormalities termed HIV lipodystrophy syndrome (or LDS). This primer offers a comprehensive overview of LDS including epidemiology, hypothesized etiologies, and clinical consequences. The evidence-based literature is reviewed for current treatment strategies including discontinuation of specific antiretrovirals, pharmacological management of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, exercise training, facial augmentation, liposuction, and hormonal therapy. Patient education, counseling, and adherence are discussed.

An Increased Risk of Osteoporosis during Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mineral density and mechanistic imbalances of bone tissue that may result in reduced skeletal strength and an enhanced susceptibility to fractures. Osteoporosis in its most common form affects the elderly (both sexes) and all racial groups of human beings. Multiple environmental risk factors like acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are believed to be one of the causes of osteoporosis. Recently a high incidence of osteoporosis has been observed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals. The etiology of this occurrence in HIV infections is controversial. This problem seems to be more frequent in patients receiving potent antiretroviral therapy. In AIDS, the main suggested risk factors for the development of osteoporosis are use of protease inhibitors, longer duration of HIV infection, lower body weight before antiretroviral therapy, high viral load. Variations in serum parameters like osteocalcin, c-telopeptide, levels of elements like Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, concentration of vitamin-D metabolites, lactate levels, bicarbonate concentrations, amount of alkaline phosphatase are demonstrated in the course of development of osteoporosis. OPG/RANKL/RANK system is final mediator of bone remodeling. Bone mineral density (BMD) test is of added value to assess the risk of osteoporosis in patients infected with AIDS. The biochemical markers also aid in this assessment. Clinical management mostly follows the lines of treatment of osteoporosis and osteopenia.

HIV envelope gp120-mediated regulation of osteoclastogenesis via receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) secretion and its modulation by certain HIV protease inhibitors through interferon-gamma/RANKL cross-talk

Accelerated bone resorption leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis has been noted in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive, treatment-naive patients, but it may be greatly increased in incidence in those receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapies that incorporate certain protease inhibitors (PI). The pathophysiology of these processes is unclear. We have documented the induction of the primary cytokine responsible for osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), in T cells exposed to soluble HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120. Using a murine osteoclast precursor cell line as well as primary human osteoclast precursors, we demonstrate that pharmacologic levels of two PIs that are linked clinically to osteopenia, ritonavir and saquinavir, abrogate a physiological block to RANKL activity, interferon-gamma-mediated degradation of the RANKL signaling adapter protein, TRAF6 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 6) in proteasomes. In contrast, indinavir and nelfinavir, PIs that may promote or stabilize bone formation in vivo, had no impact on this system. These findings offer a molecular basis for the acceleration of bone resorption by certain PIs and provide the first example of clinically useful drugs that can interfere with the cross-talk between RANKL and interferon-gamma via the proteasome. They also suggest a novel therapeutic approach to HIV osteopenia through modulation of these two molecules.

Decreased bone mineral density in HIV-infected patients is independent of antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

To describe the alterations in the bone metabolism of HIV-seropositive patients and evaluate the effects of antiretroviral therapies.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analytical study.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

A total of 142 subjects (113 male, 29 female), aged 20-45 years were divided into four groups: group A, 33 HIV-seropositive antiretroviral-naive patients; group B1, 36 HIV-seropositive patients on antiviral therapy for over 1 year, without protease inhibitors (PI); group B2, 42 HIV-seropositive patients on combined therapy containing PI for over 1 year; and group C, 15 healthy, HIV-seronegative subjects. Bone mineral density (BMD) were determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in total body, lumbar spine and proximal femur; and evaluation of serum osteocalcin, d-pyridinoline, parathyroid hormone (THP), calcium and phosphate, and urine calcium.

RESULTS

BMD was significantly lower in HIV-seropositive patients in comparison with healthy controls, in all sites studied. However, no statistical differences were observed among all groups of HIV-infected patients, independently of the antiretroviral therapy. There was a significantly higher occurrence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in HIV-infected patients in comparison with controls (P < 0.0001), with no differences among treatment-naive patients and either of the treatment groups. Bone formation and resorption markers were similar among all studied groups. There was a significant correlation in all bone sites between time of infection and BMD (P < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

BMD was significantly lower in HIV-seropositive patients in comparison with controls in lumbar spine, proximal femur and total body, without significant differences among treatment-naive patients and either of the treatment groups. Only time with HIV infection and not specific therapy was associated with BMD decreases.

Emerging bone problems in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Recently, a high incidence of osteopenia and osteoporosis has been observed in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This problem appears to be more frequent in patients receiving potent antiretroviral therapy. Other bone-related complications in HIV-infected individuals, including avascular necrosis of the hip and compression fracture of the lumbar spine, have also been reported. People living with HIV have significant alterations in bone metabolism, regardless of whether they are receiving potent antiretroviral therapy. The underlying mechanisms to account for these observations remain unknown, although studies are underway to examine the relationship between the bone abnormalities and other complications associated with HIV and antiretroviral therapy. HIV-infected patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis should be treated similarly to HIV-seronegative patients with appropriate use of nutritional supplements (calcium and vitamin D) and exercise. Hormone replacement and antiresorptive therapies might be also indicated.

Metabolic abnormalities in HIV disease and injection drug use

HIV infection is associated with a number of adverse consequences, including metabolic disorders. This article reviews disorders such as wasting, lipid metabolism disorders (including fat redistribution or dyslipidemia), glucose abnormalities, bone disease, and endocrine disorders such as hypogonadism in the presence of HIV infection and/or drug abuse. The issues covered are current estimations of prevalence, risk factors, underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis, and interventions (prevention and treatment) for metabolic complications of HIV and drug abuse.

Osteonecrosis and highly active antiretroviral therapy during HIV infection: report of a series and literature review

Osteonecrosis has shown an increased incidence in HIV-infected patients during the last few years, and has been looked as a side effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy, possibly related to hyperlipidemia. Five cases of osteonecrosis were observed among over 1300 patients with HIV disease. According to our experience, novel antiretroviral regimens do not represent a constant risk factor for avascular necrosis of bone during HIV infection.