HIV and bone health

Abstract

With the advent of antiretroviral therapy, the prognosis and survival of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have radically changed, which is why there is now evidence of an increased risk of suffering from diseases not related to HIV such as osteoporosis.
The decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) is observed in 40-90% of people infected with HIV, with a prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis of 52 and 15%, respectively. This patient population has a 60% higher risk of fractures compared to uninfected people and a risk of vertebral fractures 2.3 times higher than in the general population.
Tenofovir fumarate administration is associated with increased renal phosphorus loss and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Efavirenz and protease inhibitors (IP) affect the metabolism of vitamin D, they act at the enzymatic level by increasing the expression of the CYP24 enzyme that leads to the production of inactive vitamin D.

The FRAX is a simple and accessible tool, so its use is recommended in patients with HIV and in addition to dietary hygiene measures, physical activity, calcium, and vitamin D, the use of bisphosphonates is indicated in the treatment of osteoporosis in these patients.