Aim: To evaluate BMD and bone resorption marker in HIV-infected patients in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed between February and May 2008 in adult HIV-infected patients who had not been treated with antiretrovirals. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone densitometer (Lunar Prodigy, GE Medical System, USA), whereas CTX (C-terminal telopeptide) was measured by an automated analyzer (Elecsys 2010, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) using the b-Crosslaps serum reagents.
Results: Fourty-two patients were included, comprising 31 (73.8%) men and 11 (26.2%) women. Patients' median age was 28 years, ranging from 22 to 39 years old. The peak age group was 26-30 years old. Low BMD (osteopenia) was found in 11 (26.2%) of patients. Mean serum CTX level was significantly correlated with BMD (r=0.446; p=0.003).
Conclusion: Patients with low CD4 count and low BMI tended to have higher serum CTX. HIV-infected, treatment-naive patients possess a significant risk for reduced BMD due to increase bone resorption activity. Further studies are needed to evaluate the association of disease severity and bone resorption markers.