Bone mass, body composition and vitamin D status of ARV-naïve, urban, black South African women with HIV infection, stratified by CD₄ count

Disparities in the Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia in Men and Women Living in Sub-Saharan Africa, the UK, and the USA

PURPOSE

To review the rising prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in sub-Saharan Africa and the challenges this poses to governments and healthcare services. Using existing studies, we compare the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in men and women from sub-Saharan Africa to US and UK cohorts. Context-specific disparities in healthcare are discussed particularly the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are few epidemiological data describing the burden of osteoporosis in sub-Saharan Africa. In the studies and cohorts presented here, osteoporosis prevalence varies by sex, country and area of residence, but is generally higher in African populations, than has previously been appreciated. Risk factors contributing to poorer bone health include HIV, malnutrition and "inflammaging." Reprioritization towards care of ageing populations is urgently required. Equitable access to implementable preventative strategies, diagnostic services, treatments and pathways of care for bone health (for example embedded within HIV services) need now to be recognized and addressed by policy makers.

Impaired Bone Architecture in Peripubertal Children With HIV, Despite Treatment With Antiretroviral Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study From Zimbabwe

HIV infection has multi-system adverse effects in children, including on the growing skeleton. We aimed to determine the association between chronic HIV infection and bone architecture (density, size, strength) in peripubertal children. We conducted a cross-sectional study of children aged 8 to 16 years with HIV (CWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and children without HIV (CWOH) recruited from schools and frequency-matched for age strata and sex. Outcomes, measured by tibial peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), included 4% trabecular and 38% cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), 4% and 38% cross-sectional area (CSA), and 38% stress-strain index (SSI). Multivariable linear regression tested associations between HIV status and outcomes, stratified by sex and puberty (Tanner 1-2 versus 3-5), adjusting for age, height, fat mass, physical activity, and socioeconomic and orphanhood statuses. We recruited 303 CWH and 306 CWOH; 50% were female. Although CWH were similar in age to CWOH (overall mean ± SD 12.4 ± 2.5 years), more were prepubertal (ie, Tanner 1; 41% versus 23%). Median age at ART initiation was 4 (IQR 2-7) years, whereas median ART duration was 8 (IQR 6-10) years. CWH were more often stunted (height-for-age Z-score <-2) than those without HIV (33% versus 7%). Both male and female CWH in later puberty had lower trabecular vBMD, CSA (4% and 38%), and SSI than those without HIV, whereas cortical density was similar. Adjustment explained some of these differences; however, deficits in bone size persisted in CWH in later puberty (HIV*puberty interaction p = 0.035 [males; 4% CSA] and p = 0.029 [females; 38% CSA]). Similarly, puberty further worsened the inverse association between HIV and bone strength (SSI) in both males (interaction p = 0.008) and females (interaction p = 0.004). Despite long-term ART, we identified deficits in predicted bone strength in those living with HIV, which were more overt in the later stages of puberty. This is concerning, as this may translate to higher fracture risk later in life. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Menopause is associated with bone loss, particularly at the distal radius, in black South African women: Findings from the Study of Women Entering and in Endocrine Transition (SWEET)

Menopause transition is associated with accelerated bone loss, though data are limited from sub-Saharan African (SSA). Our objective was to describe bone density, geometry and estimated strength in women by menopause status and to explore whether patterns differed within those living with HIV.

METHODS

Radius and tibia peripheral QCT data were collected for Black South African women (n = 430) aged 40-61 years with verified menopause and HIV status. pQCT outcomes were distal 4 % radius and tibia total cross-sectional area (CSA), total volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and compressive bone strength (BSIc); proximal 66 % radius and 38 % tibia cortical vBMD, total CSA, cortical thickness, and Stress-strain Index (SSI). Linear regression assessed associations between pre, peri-, and postmenopausal groups and pQCT outcomes adjusting for age, height, and weight, and then stratified by HIV status. Mean [95%CI] and tests for trend (p-trend) across menopausal groups are presented.

RESULTS

Women were mean (SD) age 49.2 (5.3) years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 32.4 (6.3) m/kg², and 18 % were living with HIV. After adjustment, later menopause stage was associated with lower 4 % radius total mean [95%CIs] vBMD (premenopause: 345.7 [335.8,355.5] vs. postmenopause: 330.1 [322.7,337.6] mg/cm³, p-trend = 0.017) and BSIc (premenopause: 0.39 [0.37,0.41] vs. postmenopause: 0.36 [0.35,0.37] g²/cm⁴; p-trend = 0.012). Similar trends were observed at the 66 % radius for cortical vBMD (premenopause: 1146.8 [1138.9,1154.6] vs. postmenopause: 1136.1 [1130.1,1142.0] mg/cm³; p-trend = 0.028) and cortical thickness (premenopause: 2.01 [1.95,2.06] vs. postmenopause: 1.93 [1.89,1.98] mm; p-trend = 0.036). After stratification by HIV status a similar patten was observed in women with HIV (cortical vBMD premenopause: 1152.9 [1128.5,1177.2] mg/cm³ vs. postmenopause: 1123.6 [1106.0,1141.2] mg/cm³, p-trend = 0.048). Total CSA varied little by menopause or HIV status at either radius sites; few differences were found at the tibia.

CONCLUSION

In black South African women, menopause is associated with lower bone density and strength at the distal radius, a common site of osteoporotic fracture, in addition to lower cortical density and thickness at the proximal radius. Although the sample size was small, following stratification by HIV, women living with HIV had evidence of lower cortical density across menopause stages, unlike those without HIV. These findings raise concern for the incidence of Colles' fractures in postmenopausal women in South Africa; longitudinal studies of fracture incidence and implications of living with HIV are required.

A Comparison of Bone Mineral Density and Its Predictors in HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Older Men

OBJECTIVE

Bone health in older individuals with HIV infection has not been well studied. This study aimed to compare bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS), and bone markers between HIV-infected men and age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched HIV-uninfected men aged ≥60 years. We investigated the associations of risk factors related to fracture with BMD, TBS, and bone markers in HIV-infected men.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 45 HIV-infected men receiving antiretroviral therapy and 42 HIV-uninfected men. Medical history, BMD and TBS measurements, and laboratory tests related to bone health were assessed in all the participants. HIV-related factors known to be associated with bone loss were assessed in the HIV-infected men.

RESULTS

The mean BMD, TBS, and osteopenia or osteoporosis prevalence were similar among the cases and controls. The HIV-infected men had significantly higher mean N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen levels. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that low BMI (lumbar spine, P = .015; femoral neck, P = .018; and total hip, P = .005), high C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen concentration (total hip, P = .042; and TBS, P = .010), and low vitamin D supplementation (TBS, P = .035) were independently associated with low BMD and TBS.

CONCLUSION

In older HIV-infected men with a low fracture risk, the mean BMD and TBS were similar to those of the age- and BMI-matched controls. The mean bone marker levels were higher in the HIV group. Traditional risk factors for fracture, including low BMI, high C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen level, and low vitamin D supplementation, were significant predictors of low BMD and TBS.

Factors Associated with Bone Mineral Density and Bone Resorption Markers in Postmenopausal HIV-Infected Women on Antiretroviral Therapy: A Prospective Cohort Study

The study aimed to determine factors associated with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone resorption markers over two years in black postmenopausal women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Women (n = 120) aged > 45 years were recruited from Potchefstroom, South Africa. Total lumbar spine and left femoral neck (LFN) BMD were measured with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasting serum C-Telopeptide of Type I collagen (CTx), vitamin D and parathyroid hormone were measured. Vitamin D insufficiency levels increased from 23% at baseline to 39% at follow up. In mixed linear models serum CTx showed no change from baseline to end (p = 0.363, effect size = 0.09). Total and LFN BMD increased significantly over two years, but effect sizes were small. No significant change in spine BMD over time was detected (p = 0.19, effect size = 0.02). Age was significantly positively associated with CTx over time, and negatively with total and LFN BMD. Physical activity (PA) was positively associated with LFN BMD (p = 0.008). Despite a decrease in serum vitamin D, BMD and CTx showed small or no changes over 2 years. Future studies should investigate PA interventions to maintain BMD in women living with HIV.

Bone Mineral Density in Antiretroviral Therapy-Naïve HIV-1-Infected Young Adult -Women Using Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate or Nonhormonal Contraceptives in Uganda

Most studies evaluating BMD in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected populations have focused on antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐experienced patients. In this study, the association between HIV‐1 and/or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and BMD among untreated HIV‐1–infected women in a resource‐limited setting was assessed before long‐term exposure to ART. The data were then compared with that of the 2005–2008 United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data for non‐Hispanic White and Black women. Women aged 18–35 years, recruited from health facilities in Kampala, Uganda, were classified based on their combination of HIV‐1 status and DMPA use: (i) HIV‐1–infected current DMPA users, (ii) HIV‐1–infected previous DMPA users, (iii) HIV‐1–infected nonhormonal‐contraceptive users, and (iv) HIV‐uninfected nonhormonal‐contraceptive users. All HIV‐1–infected women reported being ART‐naïve at baseline. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck using DXA. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the association between HIV‐1 and/or DMPA and BMD Z‐scores. Baseline data were analyzed for 452 HIV‐1–infected (220 nonhormonal users, and 177 current and 55 previous DMPA users) and 69 HIV‐1–uninfected nonhormonal‐contraceptive users. The mean age was 26.1 years (SD, 4.2) with a median duration of DMPA use among current users of 24.0 months [medians (interquartile range), 12‐48]. A higher proportion of HIV‐1–infected previous (12.7%) or current DMPA users (20.3%) and nonhormonal users (15.0%) had low BMD (Z‐score ≤−2 at any of the three sites) compared with age‐matched HIV‐1–uninfected women (2.9%). HIV‐1 infection and DMPA use were independently associated with significantly lower mean BMD Z‐scores at all sites, with the greatest difference being among HIV‐1–infected current DMPA users (5.6%–8.0%) versus uninfected nonhormonal users. Compared with non‐Hispanic White and Black women, the Ugandan local reference population had generally lower mean BMD at all sites. Newer treatment interventions are needed to mitigate BMD loss in HIV‐1–infected women in resource‐limited settings. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Changes in Bone Mineral Density During and After Lactation in Ugandan Women With HIV on Tenofovir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with bone loss, but data are limited in lactation, when physiological bone mineral mobilization is occurring. This research charted changes in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) during and after lactation in Ugandan women with HIV (WWH) initiated onto ART in pregnancy, compared to women without HIV (REF). One-hundred WWH on tenofovir-based ART and 100 REF were enrolled in pregnancy. Lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), and whole-body-less-head (WBLH) aBMD were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at 2, 14, and 26 weeks of lactation, and at 3 months postlactation. The primary outcome was the difference between groups in mean percent change in LS aBMD between 2 and 14 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed in hierarchical repeated measures ANOVA models that corrected for multiple testing. Median age was 23.4 (IQR, 21.0 to 26.8) years. WWH had lower body weight. aBMD decreased in both groups during lactation, but WWH had greater decreases at TH (2-to-26 weeks: WWH [n = 63] -5.9% [95% CI, -6.4 to -5.4] versus REF [n = 64] -4.3% [95% CI, -4.8 to -3.8]; group*time point interaction p = .008). Decreases in LS aBMD were similar in WWH and REF (2-to-26 weeks: -2.0% [95% CI, -2.5 to -1.5]), although there was a tendency toward a smaller decrease in WWH between 2 and 14 weeks (WWH [n = 77] -1.8% [95% CI, -2.2 to -1.4] versus REF [n = 69] -2.9% [95% CI, -3.3 to -2.5]; group*time point interaction p = .08). Postlactation, LS aBMD was higher relative to week 2 in both groups. TH and WBLH aBMD did not return to week 2 values in WWH but did in REF (TH postlactation versus week 2: WWH [n = 61] -3.1% [95% CI, -3.6 to -2.6]; REF [n = 29] +0.1% [95% CI, -0.9 to +1.1]). These data show accentuated bone loss during lactation and only partial skeletal recovery by 3 months postlactation in Ugandan WWH on tenofovir-based ART. Studies are ongoing to understand longer-term consequences for bone health. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Osteoporosis in Africa-where are we now

Africa is experiencing an exponential increase in the number of older persons. The number of persons surviving with human immunodeficiency virus is simultaneously increasing due to improved availability of anti-retroviral therapy. The burden of non-communicable diseases, in particular, osteoporosis and its consequent fragility fractures, is also predicted to increase. Osteoporosis, however, remains a neglected disease and there are no age-standardized reference data available to accurately screen and diagnose individuals with osteoporosis. Epidemiological studies reporting the incidence of hip fracture or vertebral fractures are limited from Africa, especially Sub-Saharan Africa. The studies are usually limited as they are based on a retrospective data and small study numbers and often from a single study site. However, compared with early initial studies, the more recent studies show that osteoporosis and fractures are increasing across the continent. The overall incidence rates for osteoporosis and fractures still vary greatly between different regions in Africa and ethnic groups. Predisposing factors are similar with those in developed countries, but awareness of osteoporosis is sorely lacking. There is a lack of awareness among the population as well as health authorities, making it extremely difficult to quantify the burden of disease. There is great potential for research into the need and availability of preventive strategies. The FRAX® tool needs to be developed for African populations and may circumvent the shortage of bone densitometry.

Bone Mineral Density, Body Composition, and Mineral Homeostasis Over 24 Months in Urban South African Women With HIV Exposed to Antiretroviral Therapy

Human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV-) infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure are associated with bone loss. African data are limited despite the region's HIV burden. Of 247 ART-naïve, premenopausal, urban, black African women aged 33.9 ± 6.6 years from Soweto, South Africa, measured at baseline, 110 underwent anthropometry, DXA, and blood and urine collections at 12 and 24 months; 39 were HIV-negative (Nref), 28 were people with HIV (PWH) not ART-exposed for the duration of the study (ART-N), and 43 were PWH who were ART-exposed within the first 12 months (ART-Y). At baseline, the ART-Y group had lower BMI and fat mass than the Nref group. Within 12 months of ART initiation, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) had decreased at the lumbar spine and at the whole body less head, despite increased weight, and hip aBMD had not increased in line with the Nref group. There was no evidence of further bone changes between 12 and 24 months. By 24 months, the ART-Y women had gained weight and fat mass, but remained lighter with less fat than the Nref women. ART initiation normalized the low serum albumin of the ART-Y group at baseline, but was associated with elevated bone turnover markers at 12 and 24 months. Vitamin D status and renal phosphate handling were normal. ART-N had similar aBMD and other characteristics to the Nref group throughout, except unlike the Nref group, weight and fat mass did not increase and serum albumin decreased. This study in African women of childbearing age demonstrated that the bone loss that had occurred in these PWH after ART initiation did not continue after 12 months and that bone loss did not occur in ART-unexposed PWH over 2 years. At 24 months, despite gains in weight and fat mass, ART-exposed women remained lighter, with lower aBMD, fat mass, and higher bone turnover than women without HIV. More studies are required to establish if the bone loss and fat gain reverse, stabilize, or continue with further ART exposure, particularly during and after menopause. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected patients had lower bone formation markers than HIV-uninfected adults

There are limited studies regarding bone health among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Asia. We compared bone mineral density (BMD), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status and bone turnover markers (serum procollagen type1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type1 collagen) among 302 antiretroviral therapy (ART) naive PLHIV compared to 269 HIV-uninfected controls from Thailand. People aged ≥30 years, with and without HIV infection (free of diabetes, hypertension, and active opportunistic infection) were enrolled. BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck were measured using Hologic DXA at baseline and at 5 years. We analyzed BMD, serum 25(OH)D levels, and bone turnover markers at the patients' baseline visit. PLHIV were 1.5 years younger and had lower BMI. PLHIV had higher mean serum 25(OH)D level and similar BMD to the controls. Interestingly, PLHIV had significantly lower bone formation (serum P1NP and OC), particularly those with low CD4 count. Only a few participants had low bone mass. ARV naïve middle-aged PLHIV did not have lower BMD or lower vitamin D levels compared to the controls. However, PLHIV had lower bone formation markers, particularly those with low CD4 count. This finding supports the benefit of early ART.

Maternal traditional dietary pattern and antiretroviral treatment exposure are associated with neonatal size and adiposity in urban, black South Africans

This study examines the associations between maternal Traditional dietary pattern adherence and HIV/treatment with neonatal size and adiposity in urban, black South Africans, as well as how specific maternal factors - that is BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) - may influence these associations. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine associations among maternal Traditional diet pattern adherence (pattern score), HIV/treatment status (three groups: HIV negative, HIV positive (antenatal antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation), HIV positive (pre-pregnancy ART initiation)), BMI and GWG (kg/week), and newborn (1) weight:length ratio (WLR, kg/m) in 393 mother-neonate pairs, and (2) Peapod estimated fat mass index (FMI, kg/m3) in a 171-pair subsample. In fully adjusted models, maternal obesity and GWG were associated with 0·25 kg/m (P=0·008) and 0·48 kg/m (P=0·002) higher newborn WLR, whereas Traditional diet pattern score was associated with lower newborn WLR (-0·04 kg/m per +1 sd; P=0·033). In addition, Traditional diet pattern score was associated with 0·13 kg/m3 (P=0·027) and 0·32 kg/m3 (P=0·005) lower FMI in the total sample and in newborns of normal-weight women, respectively. HIV-positive (pre-pregnancy ART) v. HIV-negative (ref) status was associated with 1·11 kg/m3 (P=0·002) higher newborn FMI. Promotion of a Traditional dietary pattern, alongside a healthy maternal pre-conception weight, in South African women may reduce newborn adiposity and metabolic risk profiles. In HIV-positive women, targeted monitoring and management strategies are necessary to limit treatment-associated effects on in utero fat deposition.

Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference in Patients with HIV in South Africa and Associated Socio-demographic, Health Related and Psychosocial Factors

A high body mass index (BMI) and high waist circumference are important health risk factors predisposing for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and certain cancers. Historically, underweight was a diagnostic criterion of HIV-infection. In a cross-sectional study the prevalence of BMI-categories and high waist circumference and its associated factors in patients visiting three outpatient HIV clinics in South Africa were measured with anthropometric measurements and structured questionnaires regarding socio-demographic information, quality of life (QoL), AIDS-related stigma, symptoms of depression, alcohol use, HIV related information and level of adherence to ART. The median age of the 2230 included patients was 37 years, 66.5% were women and 88.6% received antiretroviral therapy. The prevalences of overweight, obesity and high waist circumference were 29.2, 21.9 and 44.6% respectively in women and 12.4, 4.0 and 3.9% respectively in men. Underweight was found in 18.2% of men and 6.3% of women. In multinomial regression analysis compared to a normal BMI, both overweight and obesity were associated with female gender, with being married or cohabiting and with a higher QoL score. Underweight was associated with male gender and tobacco use and negatively associated with being married or cohabiting and the physical domain of the QoL measure. A high waist circumference in men was associated with higher age and negatively associated with tobacco use and stigma score. In women it was negatively associated with never being married. A high prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in HIV-clinics in South Africa, mainly in women. Since overweight and obesity are important health risk factors, effective weight reduction interventions are desirable.

Approach to acute kidney injury in HIV-infected patients in South Africa

Background

HIV-infected patients have an increased risk of renal disease. Current first-line antiretroviral therapy contains tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), which has nephrotoxic potential, characterised by proximal tubular cell injury. This may result in acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease or partial or complete Fanconi syndrome.

Objectives

We reviewed the existing literature on acute kidney injury and TDF-associated nephrotoxicity with the aim of providing an approach to diagnosis and management, which is relevant to a general medical practitioner.

Methods

We performed a broad literature search of biomedical databases including PubMed and ScienceDirect. Our search terms included, but were not limited to, ‘tenofovir’, ‘nephrotoxicity’, ‘HIV’, ‘acute kidney injury’ and ‘renal tubular acidosis’.

Our aim was not to generate a systematic literature review with weighted evidence, but rather to provide a review of best practice from a variety of sources. Where published studies were not available from the above databases, we relied on relevant textbooks and professional guidelines.

Results

Potential nephrotoxicity is not an impediment to the widespread use of TDF in treating HIV infection, because most patients will tolerate the medication well. However, patients with advanced disease, low body weight, advanced age, pre-existing kidney disease and concomitant use of other nephrotoxic medications are at increased risk of adverse renal events and may develop severe complications if not appropriately managed. These risk factors are unfortunately common in patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in South Africa.

Conclusion

Prevention of renal damage by means of careful screening and monitoring of high-risk patients is of paramount importance. Increased awareness of this problem and knowledge of how to manage kidney disease should be emphasised for general medical practitioners who work with HIV-infected patients.

Immediate Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Infection Accelerates Bone Loss Relative to Deferring Therapy: Findings from the START Bone Mineral Density Substudy, a Randomized Trial

Both HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. Because the relative contributions of ART and untreated HIV to BMD loss are unclear, it is important to quantify the effect of ART on bone. We compared the effect of early ART initiation (CD4 >500 cells/μL) with deferred ART on change in BMD in the START Bone Mineral Density substudy, a randomized trial evaluating the effect of immediate ART initiation versus deferring ART (to CD4 <350 cells/μL). BMD was measured annually at the lumbar spine and hip by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Percent change in BMD by treatment assignment (intent-to-treat analysis) was estimated using longitudinal mixed models and linear regression. Baseline and follow-up DXA scans were available for 399 (195 immediate, 204 deferred) participants (median age 32 years, 80% non-white, 26% women, median CD4 count 642 cells/μL). ART (most commonly including tenofovir and efavirenz) was used for 95% and 18% of follow-up in the immediate and deferred ART groups, respectively. Through 2.2 years mean follow-up, immediate ART resulted in greater BMD declines than deferred ART at the hip (-2.5% versus -1.0%; difference -1.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.2 to -0.8, p < 0.001) and spine (-1.9% versus -0.4%; difference -1.6%, 95% CI -2.2 to -1.0, p < 0.001). BMD declines were greatest in the first year of ART. In the immediate ART group, spine BMD stabilized after year 1, whereas hip BMD declined progressively over 2 years. After year 1, BMD changes were similar in the immediate and deferred groups. No clinical, HIV-related, or ART characteristic predicted greater BMD loss in either group. All HIV treatment guidelines now recommend ART initiation at HIV diagnosis because of the reduced risk of serious clinical outcomes. Better understanding of the longer-term consequences of the observed reductions in BMD is needed.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT00867048. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Changes in Bone Mineral Density, Body Composition, Vitamin D Status, and Mineral Metabolism in Urban HIV-Positive South African Women Over 12 Months

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are associated with bone loss and poor vitamin D status in white populations, though their relative roles are not known. No previous studies have examined longitudinal changes in areal bone mineral density (aBMD), measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), or in vitamin D status in HIV-positive African women. Of 247 premenopausal, urban, black African women from Soweto, South Africa, initially recruited, 187 underwent anthropometry, DXA scanning and blood and urine collections at both baseline and 12 months. Of these, 67 were HIV-negative throughout (Nref), 60 were HIV-positive with preserved CD4 counts at baseline (Ppres), and 60 were HIV-positive with low CD4 counts at baseline, eligible for ART by South African standards of care at the time (Plow). No participant had been exposed to ART at baseline. By 12 months, 51 Plow women had initiated ART, >85% of whom took combined tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), lamivudine, and efavirenz. By 12 months, Plow and Nref, but not Ppres, increased in body weight and fat mass (group-by-timepoint p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). Plow had significant decreases in aBMD of 2% to 3%, before and after size adjustment, at the femoral neck (p ≤ 0.002) and lumbar spine (p ≤ 0.001), despite significant weight gain. These decreases were associated with increased bone turnover but there were no significant differences or changes over time in vitamin D status, serum phosphate concentrations, or renal phosphate handling. Excluding data from nine Plow women unexposed to ART and 11 Ppres women who had initiated ART accentuated these findings, suggesting the bone loss in Plow was related to ART exposure. This is the first study describing DXA-defined bone loss in HIV-positive Sub-Saharan African women in association with ART. Further work is required to establish if bone loss continues with ongoing ART and, if so, whether this results in increased fracture rates. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Bone quality assessed using quantitative ultrasound at the distal radius does not differ in antiretroviral therapy-naïve HIV-positive and HIV-negative Rwandan women

OBJECTIVES

The incidence of fractures appears to be increased in HIV-infected individuals.

METHODS

We assessed bone quality using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in HIV-infected and uninfected Rwandan women. A Sunlight Omnisense 7000 QUS was used to measure the speed of ultrasound (SOS) at the distal radius in 646 antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve HIV-infected women and 211 HIV-uninfected women. The Z-scores for SOS were based on data for women of the same age from the manufacturer's reference material.

RESULTS

The mean CD4 cell count was 285 (± 166) cells/μL in the HIV-positive women. SOS Z-scores adjusted and unadjusted for body mass index did not differ between the groups. SOS did not differ by CD4 count (< 200 vs. ≥ 200 cells/μL: 4016 (± 117) vs. 4028 (± 107) m/s, respectively; p=0.19.

CONCLUSIONS

In HIV-positive ART-naïve Rwandan women with advanced HIV disease, bone quality at the distal radius was similar to that in HIV-negative controls.

Vitamin D Status and Its Consequences for Health in South Africa

In this review, reports were retrieved in which vitamin D status, as assessed by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, was measured in South African population groups with varied skin colours and ethnicities. Healthy children and adults were generally vitamin D-sufficient [25(OH)D level >50 nmol/L] but the majority of those aged above 65 years were deficient. A major role for exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in determining 25(OH)D levels was apparent, with the dietary contribution being minor. Limited data exist regarding the impact of recent changes in lifestyles on vitamin D status, such as urbanisation. With regard to disease susceptibility, 11 of 22 relevant publications indicated association between low 25(OH)D levels and disease, with deficiency most notably found in individuals with tuberculosis and HIV-1. Information on the relationship between vitamin D receptor variants and ethnicity, disease or treatment response in the South African population groups demonstrated complex interactions between genetics, epigenetics and the environment. Whether vitamin D plays an important role in protection against the range of diseases that currently constitute a large burden on the health services in South Africa requires further investigation. Only then can accurate advice be given about personal sun exposure or dietary vitamin D supplementation.

HIV infection and bone disease

The success of antiretroviral therapy in treating HIV infection has greatly prolonged life expectancy in affected individuals, transforming the disease into a chronic condition. A number of HIV-associated non-AIDS comorbidities have emerged in the ageing HIV-infected population, including osteoporosis and increased risk of fracture. The pathogenesis of fracture is multifactorial with contributions from both traditional and HIV-specific risk factors. Significant bone loss occurs on initiation of antiretroviral therapy but stabilizes on long-term therapy. Fracture risk assessment should be performed in HIV-infected individuals and bone mineral density measured when indicated. Lifestyle measures to optimize bone health should be advised and, in individuals at high risk of fracture, treatment with bisphosphonates considered.

Key toxicity issues with the WHO-recommended first-line antiretroviral therapy regimen

INTRODUCTION

WHO recommends tenofovir, efavirenz, and lamivudine or emtricitabine for first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in adults, which replaced more toxic regimens using stavudine, zidovudine or nevirapine. Areas covered: We searched Pubmed to identify observational studies and randomized controlled trials reporting toxicity of these antiretrovirals published between 2011 and 2016, and hand-searched abstracts presented at major HIV conferences in 2015 and 2016, focusing on data from sub-Saharan Africa. Tenofovir's nephrotoxicity manifests as mild renal tubular dysfunction (common and of uncertain clinical significance), acute kidney injury (rare), and chronic declining glomerular filtration rate (common). African studies, which include high proportions of patients with renal dysfunction from opportunistic diseases, report population improvement in renal function after starting tenofovir-based ART. Tenofovir modestly decreases bone mineral density, and there is emerging data that this increases fracture risk. Efavirenz commonly causes early self-limiting neuropsychiatric toxicity and hypersensitivity rashes. Recent studies have highlighted its long-term neuropsychiatric effects, notably suicidality and neurocognitive impairment, and metabolic toxicities (dyslipidemia, dysglycemia, and lipoatrophy). We point out the challenges clinicians face in the recognition and attribution of adverse drug reactions. Expert commentary: Tenofovir and efavirenz are generally well tolerated, but both are associated with potentially serious toxicities. Pharmacovigilance systems in resource-limited settings with high HIV burden should be strengthened.

Bone health and HIV in resource-limited settings: a scoping review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sub-Saharan Africa and other resource-limited settings (RLS) bear the greatest burden of the HIV epidemic globally. Advantageously, the expanding access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in increased survival of HIV individuals in the last 2 decades. Data from resource rich settings provide evidence of increased risk of comorbid conditions such as osteoporosis and fragility fractures among HIV-infected populations. We provide the first review of published and presented data synthesizing the current state of knowledge on bone health and HIV in RLS.

RECENT FINDINGS

With few exceptions, we found a high prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) and hypovitaminosis D among HIV-infected populations in both RLS and resource rich settings. Although most recognized risk factors for bone loss are similar across settings, in certain RLS there is a high prevalence of both non-HIV-specific risk factors and HIV-specific risk factors, including advanced HIV disease and widespread use of ART, including tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, a non-BMD sparing ART. Of great concern, we neither found published data on the effect of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate initiation on BMD, nor any data on incidence and prevalence of fractures among HIV-infected populations in RLS.

SUMMARY

To date, the prevalence and squeal of metabolic bone diseases in RLS are poorly described. This review highlights important gaps in our knowledge about HIV-associated bone health comorbidities in RLS. This creates an urgent need for targeted research that can inform HIV care and management guidelines in RLS.

Prevalence and risk factors of micronutrient deficiencies pre- and post-antiretroviral therapy (ART) among a diverse multicountry cohort of HIV-infected adults

BACKGROUND & AIMS

HIV-infected adults have increased risk of several individual micronutrient deficiencies. However, the prevalence and risk factors of concurrent and multiple micronutrient deficiencies and whether micronutrient concentrations change after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation have not been well described. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of individual, concurrent and multiple micronutrient deficiencies among ART-naïve HIV-infected adults from nine countries and assess change in micronutrient status 48 weeks post-ART initiation.

METHODS

A random sub-cohort (n = 270) stratified by country was selected from the multinational PEARLS clinical trial (n = 1571 ART-naïve, HIV-infected adults). We measured serum concentrations of vitamins A, D (25-hydroxyvitamin), E, carotenoids and selenium pre-ART and 48 weeks post-ART initiation, and measured vitamins B6, B12, ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor at baseline only. Prevalence of single micronutrient deficiencies, concurrent (2 coexisting) or conditional (a deficiency in one micronutrient given a deficiency in another) and multiple (≥3) were determined using defined serum concentration cutoffs. We assessed mean changes in micronutrient concentrations from pre-ART to week 48 post-ART initiation using multivariable random effects models.

RESULTS

Of 270 participants, 13.9%, 29.2%, 24.5% and 32.4% had 0, 1, 2 and multiple deficiencies, respectively. Pre-ART prevalence was the highest for single deficiencies of selenium (53.2%), vitamin D (42.4%), and B6 (37.3%) with 12.1% having concurrent deficiencies of all three micronutrients. Deficiency prevalence varied widely by country. 48 weeks post-ART initiation, mean vitamin A concentration increased (p < 0.001) corresponding to a 9% decrease in deficiency. Mean concentrations also increased for other micronutrients assessed 48 weeks post-ART (p < 0.001) but with minimal change in deficiency status.

CONCLUSIONS

Single and multiple micronutrient deficiencies are common among HIV-infected adults pre-ART initiation but vary between countries. Importantly, despite increases in micronutrient concentrations, prevalence of individual deficiencies remains largely unchanged after 48 weeks on ART. Our results suggest that ART alone is not sufficient to improve micronutrient deficiency.

Antiretroviral Therapy, Especially Efavirenz, Is Associated with Low Bone Mineral Density in HIV-Infected South Africans

Purpose

We determined the prevalence and correlates of low bone mineral density (BMD) in HIV-infected South Africans as there is a paucity of such data from Africa.

Methods

BMD and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured in HIV-positive participants on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and in those not yet on ART (ART-naïve).

Results

We enrolled 444 participants [median age 35(IQR: 30, 40) years; 77% women]. BMD was low (z score <-2SD) in 17% and 5% of participants at the lumbar spine and total hip, respectively. Total hip [0.909 (SD 0.123) vs 0.956 (SD 0.124) g/cm², p = 0.0001] and neck of femur BMD [0.796 (SD 0.130) vs 0.844 (SD 0.120) g/cm², p = 0.0001] were lower in the ART, compared to the ART-naïve group. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 15% of participants and was associated with efavirenz use [adjusted OR 2.04 (95% CI 1.01 to 4.13)]. In a multivariate linear regression, exposure to efavirenz or lopinavir-based ART was associated with lower total hip BMD, whereas higher weight, being male and higher vitamin D concentration were associated with higher total hip BMD (adjusted R² = 0.28). Age, weight, sex, and the use of efavirenz-based ART were independently associated with lumbar spine BMD (adjusted R² = 0.13).

Conclusions

Vitamin D status, use of efavirenz or lopinavir/ritonavir, weight, age and sex are significantly associated with lower BMD in this young cohort of HIV-infected South Africans.

Bone loss in HIV: a contemporary review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Because of antiretroviral therapy (ART), people are living with HIV infection longer than ever before. As this patient group ages, it is expected that medical comorbidities such as osteoporosis and fragility fractures will increase. The purpose of this review is to address the epidemiology and what is known regarding the pathogenesis of bone loss in people living with HIV infection with a focus on recently published literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

HIV-infected individuals are at increased risk for low bone mineral density and bone fractures. The cause of bone loss in HIV is multifactorial including traditional risk factors some of which disproportionately affect HIV-infected individuals and alterations in bone metabolism due to ART, HIV viral proteins and chronic inflammation. Lifestyle modification, changing ART, calcium and vitamin D supplementation and pharmacologic treatment for osteoporosis may all be employed to abrogate bone loss in this patient group.

SUMMARY

Clinicians should be aware of the contributors to bone loss in people living with HIV in order to recognize high-risk individuals and to take appropriate steps to address modifiable risk factors to prevent future fracture.

Prevalence of and risk factors for low bone mineral density in untreated HIV infection: a substudy of the INSIGHT Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial

OBJECTIVES

HIV infection is associated with a higher prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures than that found in the general population. There are limited data in HIV-positive adults, naïve to antiretroviral therapy (ART), with which to estimate the relative contribution of untreated HIV infection to bone loss.

METHODS

The primary objective of the Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) Bone Mineral Density Substudy is to compare the effect of immediate versus deferred initial ART on bone. We evaluated traditional, demographic, HIV-related and immunological factors for their associations with baseline hip and lumbar spine BMD, measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, using multiple regression.

RESULTS

A total of 424 ART-naïve participants were enrolled at 33 sites on six continents; the mean age was 34 years [standard deviation (SD) 10.1 years], 79.0% were nonwhite, 26.0% were women, and 12.5% had a body mass index (BMI) < 20 kg/m(2) . Mean (SD) Z-scores were -0.41 (0.94) at the spine and -0.36 (0.88) for total hip; 1.9% had osteoporosis and 35.1% had low BMD (hip or spine T-score < -1.0). Factors independently associated with lower BMD at the hip and spine were female sex, Latino/Hispanic ethnicity, lower BMI and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate. Longer time since HIV diagnosis was associated with lower hip BMD. Current or nadir CD4 cell count and HIV viral load were not associated with BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

In this geographically and racially diverse population of ART-naïve adults with normal CD4 cell counts, low BMD was common, but osteoporosis was rare. Lower BMD was significantly associated with traditional risk factors but not with CD4 cell count or viral load.

Association between HIV infection and bone mineral density in climacteric women

A cross-sectional study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating bone mineral density in HIV seropositive and seronegative climacteric women. HIV infection was negatively associated with bone mineral density in the lumbar spine

PURPOSE

To assess bone mineral density (BMD) and its associated factors in HIV seropositive and seronegative climacteric women

METHODS

A cross-sectional study with 537 women (273 HIV seropositive and 264 HIV seronegative) aged between 40 and 60 years old receiving follow-up care at two hospitals in Brazil. A questionnaire on clinical and sociodemographic characteristics was completed. Laboratory tests were performed, and BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and hip. Statistical analysis was carried out by Yates and Pearson chi-squared tests, Mann-Whitney test, and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The mean age was 47.7 years in HIV-seropositive women, and 75 % had nadir CD4 above 200, and 77.8 % had viral load below the detection limit. The mean age in the HIV-seronegative women was 49.8 years. The prevalence of low spinal BMD was 14.6 % in the HIV-seropositive and 4.6 % in the HIV-seronegative women (p < 0.01). The prevalence of low BMD at the femoral neck was 5.6 % in HIV-seropositive and 3.3 % in the HIV-seronegative women (p = 0.38). Multiple analyses showed that the factors associated with lower BMD at the spine were being postmenopausal and being HIV-seropositive. Being overweight was associated with a higher BMD. At the femoral neck, factors associated with lower BMD were being postmenopausal and being white. Being overweight and having a greater number of pregnancies were associated with higher BMD CONCLUSIONS: HIV-seropositive women on long-term antiretroviral treatment and in good immunological conditions exhibited low BMD in the spine (L1-L4). However, BMD in the femoral neck was similar to non-infected women.

Bone alterations associated with HIV

HIV infection and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been consistently associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD), with growing evidence linking HIV to an increased risk of fracture. This is especially concerning with the expanding number of older persons living with HIV. Interestingly, recent data suggest that HIV-infected children and youth fail to achieve peak BMD, possibly increasing their lifetime risk of fracture. Elucidating the causes of the bone changes in HIV-positive persons is challenging because of the multifactorial nature of bone disease in HIV, including contribution of the virus, immunosuppression, ART toxicity, and traditional osteoporosis risk factors, such as age, lower weight, tobacco, and alcohol use. Thus, practitioners must recognize the risk of low BMD and fractures and appropriately screen patients for osteoporosis if risk factors exist. If fractures do occur or elevated fracture risk is detected through screening, treatment with bisphosphonate medications appears safe and effective in the HIV+population.

HIV infection and osteoporosis

In the past two decades, the life expectancy of people living with HIV infection has increased significantly, and osteoporosis has emerged as a significant comorbidity. In addition to traditional risk factors for fracture, specific factors related to HIV infection are also likely to contribute, including antiretroviral therapy. The heterogeneity of the HIV-infected population in terms of age and ethnicity presents many challenges to the prevention and management of bone disease, and further studies are required to establish optimal approaches to risk assessment and treatment.

Inflammatory co-morbidities in HIV+ individuals: learning lessons from healthy ageing

Increased life expectancy due to improved efficacy of cART has uncovered an increased risk of age-related morbidities in HIV+ individuals and catalyzed significant research into mechanisms driving these diseases. HIV infection increases the risk of non-communicable diseases common in the aged, including cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive decline, non-AIDS malignancies, osteoporosis, and frailty. These observations suggest that HIV accelerates immunological ageing, and there are many immunological similarities with the aged, including shortened telomeres, accumulation of senescent T cells and altered monocyte phenotype/function. However, the most critical similarity between HIV+ individuals and the elderly, which most likely underpins the heightened risk of non-communicable diseases, is chronic inflammation and associated immune activation. Here, we review the similarities between HIV+ individuals and the aged regarding the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, the current evidence for mechanisms driving these processes and discuss current and potential therapeutic strategies for addressing inflammatory co-morbidity in HIV+ infection.

Dietary intake and body composition in HIV-positive and -negative South African women

OBJECTIVE

The present paper examines dietary intake and body composition in antiretroviral (ARV)-naïve HIV-positive compared with HIV-negative South African women, as well as the impact of disease severity on these variables.

DESIGN

Baseline data from a longitudinal study assessing bone health in HIV-negative and HIV-positive premenopausal South African women over 18 years of age were used. Anthropometry and body composition, measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, were analysed together with dietary intake data assessed using an interviewer-based quantitative FFQ.

SETTING

Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa.

SUBJECTS

Black, urban South African women were divided into three groups: (i) HIV-negative (HIV-; n 98); (ii) HIV-positive with preserved CD4 counts (HIV+ non-ARV; n 74); and (iii) HIV-positive with low CD4 counts and due to start ARV treatment (HIV+ pre-ARV; n 75).

RESULTS

The prevalence of overweight and obesity was high in this population (59 %). The HIV+ pre-ARV group was lighter and had a lower BMI than the other two groups (all P < 0·001). HIV+ pre-ARV women also had lower fat and lean masses and percentage body fat than their HIV- and HIV+ non-ARV counterparts. After adjustment, there were no differences in macronutrient intakes across study groups; however, fat and sugar intakes were high and consumption of predominantly refined food items was common overall.

CONCLUSION

HIV-associated immunosuppression may be a key determinant of body composition in HIV-positive women. However, in populations with high obesity prevalence, these differences become evident only at advanced stages of infection.