The HIV virus ravishes the body on many levels including bone mineral density, which in turn causes a higher frequency of bone fractures. Until now, there has been little study of this actual relation, but now we know that those infected have an up to almost four percent higher risk of ending up in a cast. Simply stated, the higher the bone mineral content, the denser the bones are. And the denser the bones, the stronger they generally are and the less likely they are to break.

Reduced bone density can negatively influence perception of patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL), especially considering future aspects, the risk of losing independence or pain suffering.

In a new study of its kind, a total of 5,826 HIV-infected patients were analyzed from 2000 to 2008 in the recent study. Researchers were able to compare rates with persons in the general U.S. population for the period from 2000 to 2006 and observed that annual fracture rates among HIV-infected patients were between 1.98 and 3.69 times greater.

Benjamin Young, MD, PhD, of the Rocky Mountain Center for AIDS Research, Education, and Services in Denver comments:

“We confirmed that several established risk factors for fracture, such as age, substance abuse, hepatitis C co-infection, and diabetes, were associated with fractures among the HIV-infected patients. This study also highlights for the first time a potential association between fracture risk and CD4 cell count. The optimal clinical management of bone health in HIV-infected individuals is not well defined and remains controversial.”

HIV is a retrovirus, meaning it needs cells from a “host” in order to make more copies of itself, or replicate. In the case of HIV, CD4 cells are the host cells that aid HIV in replication. HIV attaches to the CD4 cells, allowing the virus to enter and infect the CD4 cells, damaging them in the process. The fewer functioning CD4 cells, the weaker the immune system and therefore the more vulnerable a person is to infections and illnesses.

Knowing how many functioning CD4 cells are circulating in the blood gives the HIV physician an idea of how strong the HIV positive person’s immune system really is. A simple blood test called the CD4 count measures the number of functioning CD4 cells in the body and therefore measures the health of the immune system. However, a CD4 blood test results can vary a great deal.

Dr. Young adds:

“We believe our data support the need to develop guidelines that address screening for and correcting reversible causes of low bone mineral density and fall risk and that these activities should be incorporated into the routine care of HIV-infected patients.”

There is a statistical association between poor bone density and higher probability of fracture. Fractures of the legs and pelvis due to falls are a significant public health problem, especially in elderly women, leading to much medical cost, inability to live independently, and even risk of death. Bone density measurements are also used to screen women for osteoporosis risk and to identify those who might benefit from measures to improve bone strength.

It is possible to improve bone density at any age. However, the sooner someone starts working on strengthening bones, the better. If a person takes care of their bones, they will be more likely to remain independent throughout life. Having strong and healthy bones helps keep muscles strong and helps maintain mobility. Even if someone is already experiencing bone loss, it’s not too late. Always incorporate some lifestyle changes that can be effective in reversing osteoporosis and help naturally replace lost bone.

Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases PDF

Written by Sy Kraft, B.A.