Prevalence of low bone mass in individuals with HIV infection

Abstract

Background and aims: There are no population data on bone mass in individuals with HIV in Spain, adjusted for age and sex.

Materials and methods: Bone mineral density (BMD) data were obtained by dual X-ray absorptiometry in a cohort of individuals with HIV infection compared with cohort data from the general population in Spain and the United States of America.

Results: Of 928 individuals (mean 46 years, 25% women), the prevalence of osteoporosis in the lumbar spine/femoral neck was 18%/5% in men, and 17%/10% in women, respectively. The rate increased from the age of 40 in men and from 50 in women (osteoporosis in 20% and 27%, respectively). BMD was lower than that observed in the general population in almost all age groups (mean, -6%; between 0%-11% lower compared to the Spanish cohort, and -8%; between 0%-14% lower than the American cohort).

Conclusions: Our cohort of individuals with HIV had a lower BMD in all age groups after adjustment for age and sex, compared with the general population. This fact must be considered when making recommendations.

Keywords: Bone mineral density; Densidad mineral ósea; HIV infection; Infección por VIH; Osteoporosis.