[High frequency of hypovitaminosis D and low bone mineral density in a sample of HIV-infected men in Chile].

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of hypovitaminosis D and low bone mineral density in a sample of patients within our HIV cohort.

METHODS

A random sample of 16 HIV-infected patients was selected for evaluation of levels of Vitamin D and bone mineral density with dual X ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Within this sample of patients, 94% had low levels of vitamin D. Among them, eight had insufficient levels (10-30 ng/mL) and seven had deficient levels (less than 10 ng/mL) of this vitamin. Ten out of sixteen (63%) had an abnormal dual X ray absorptiometry (osteopenia or osteoporosis). All patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis had low levels of vitamin D, were on CDC stage A, had a CD4+ count greater than 350 cells/mm³ and HIV viral load less than 50 copies/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Low bone mineral density and hypovitaminosis D is highly frequent in this sample of HIV-infected patients in Chile.