• Natalie Davidson and David Sowden.
• Infectious Diseases Department, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia.
• Intern Med J. 2019 Sep 1; 49 (9): 1119-1124.

BackgroundAdults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection commonly experience fractures and have a high prevalence of osteoporosis. The reasons for low bone mineral density (BMD) in HIV patients are multifactorial and there are now guidelines for screening.AimsThe aims of this study were to determine the screening practices for osteoporosis at this sexual health clinic, the prevalence of osteoporosis and to examine the risk factors for bone disease.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of all HIV patients attending the Sunshine Coast Health Service District Sexual Health Clinic. Through chart review we collected the following details: patient demographics, co-morbid conditions, HIV status and anti-retroviral therapy, BMD screening, fractures, screening for secondary causes of bone disease and treatment interventions for osteoporosis.ResultsA total of 243 patients with HIV attended the sexual health clinic. Of these, 149 met screening criteria for BMD assessment and 93 (61%) of those eligible underwent BMD examination. In those who had a BMD performed, 13 (19%) had sustained a previous fracture, 28 (30%) had osteoporosis and 42 (45%) had osteopenia. In the osteoporosis group, 21 (78%) were treated with vitamin D and calcium, 7 (26%) had a change in ART, 19 (68%) were treated with anti-resorptive therapy and 9 received testosterone replacement.ConclusionsIn this cohort, there was a high prevalence of low bone mass and BMD screening rates of 60%. Our results highlight the importance of this condition and the need to improve screening and availability of BMD assessment.© 2019 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

33 keywords...

hide…