Bone health in persons living with HIV: A study from a tertiary care hospital-based ART Centre in Western Maharashtra.

BACKGROUND

With the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the life expectancy of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) has improved substantially. However, this has been accompanied by the rise of non-communicable comorbidities such as low bone mass (LBM), which impairs quality of life. Factors including HIV infection, prolonged ART, endocrine dysfunctions, malnutrition, and opportunistic infections contribute to reduced bone health. This study assessed the prevalence of LBM and its risk factors among PLHIV in Western Maharashtra. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of LBM in PLHIV and evaluate its association with key demographic, clinical, and biochemical risk factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 250 PLHIV, aged 18-50 years, attending a tertiary care ART Centre in Western Maharashtra. After obtaining informed consent, participants underwent clinical evaluation, anthropometric assessment, biochemical testing, and bone mineral density measurement using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the spine and hip (Hologic Model No. 010-1549). A Z-score ≤-2.0 was defined as indicative of LBM.

RESULTS

Among 250 predominantly male, middle-aged participants with a body mass index within normal to overweight categories with good immune status; 85.2% were receiving a tenofovir-based ART regimen for less than 10 years, and 20.8% demonstrated LBM, which was significantly associated with elevated intact parathyroid hormone levels.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals a high prevalence of impaired bone health among PLHIV. Larger prospective studies are needed to guide prevention, screening, and management strategies to enhance bone health and overall wellbeing.