AN OVERVIEW OF BONE DISEASE IN HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS

Introduction: Reduced bone mineral density in HIV-infected (Human Ininzunodeficiency Virus) patients is a growing issue in recent areas of research linked to the arrival of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which improved life expectancy for most HIV-infected patients. Material and method: We carried out a literature search on PubMed, Google Scholar and Springer Link databases using appropriate terms linked to bone disease in HIV infection and we analyzed the most recent data, providing an overview on the bone disorders connected to HIV infection. Results: Several causes contribute to the complex mechanism of bone loss associated with HIV infection: the virus itself, the specific antiretroviral therapy factors, as well as the traditional determinants of bone demineralization. Multiple cohort studies have reported an increased prevalence of bone demineralization among HIV-infected individuals. Bone fragility resulting from osteoporosis may lead to high fracture rates, as this population continues to grow old, therefore representing an important morbidity factor and also a serious challenge in the care of HIV-infected patients. Conclusion: In HIV-infected persons, osteoporosis is probably underdiagnosed. Since osteoporosis is often an asymptomatic condition, with a long latency until fracture occurs, prevention of fractures through targeted screening and early treatment is a reasonable strategy. Further research is needed to clarify the algorithms for the screening, diagnosis, monitoring and management of bone disease in this category.