Fracture Prediction With Modified-FRAX in Older HIV-Infected and Uninfected Men

Impact of strength training on reducing risk of fractures in people living with Human Immunodeficiency virus

BACKGROUND

The progression of HIV and prolonged antiretroviral therapy (ART) lead to secondary changes in patients, such as reduced bone mineral density (BMD), which increases the susceptibility to fractures and, consequently, the associated morbidity and mortality.

PURPOSE

The study aimed to assess the impact of strength training on the risk of fractures in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV).

METHODS

Sixteen HIV-positive men with lipodystrophy syndrome, under ART, aged 40-70 years, inactive for three months, were included. They underwent 12 weeks of strength training (36 sessions) and were evaluated before and after for fracture risk and femoral neck BMD using FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment) and DXA (Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry), respectively, along with body composition. Comparative statistical analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

The results showed a reduction in the risk of major fractures by 24.79% (p = 0.009) and of femoral neck fractures by 72.85% (p = 0.004). There was a significant increase in femoral neck BMD by 11.69% (p = 0.001) and in the T-score by 7.94% (p = 0.002), inversely correlating with fracture risk. Total muscle mass increased by 3.79% (p = 0.011) and lower limb bone mass by 3.55% (p = 0.028), positively correlating with BMD and T-score.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that a short period of training (12 weeks) reduced the risk of fractures in PLHIV. However, further research is needed to support evidence-based clinical practices.

High prevalence of osteoporosis among virally suppressed older people (≥60 years) living with HIV

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) among older people living with HIV at the time of enrolment into a clinical trial in Kenya.

METHODS

The bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BFTAF) Elderly Study is a clinical trial among virally suppressed people living with HIV aged ≥60 years randomized to switch to BFTAF or continue their pre-enrolment regimen. At enrolment, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck was performed and T-scores calculated for BMD. Osteoporosis was defined as T-score -2.5 or lower and osteopenia as T-score between -1 and -2.5. Fracture risk was calculated based on clinical risk factors (not including BMD), considering HIV as a secondary cause of osteoporosis, and the correlation between FRAX®-HIV and BMD assessed.

RESULTS

Between February and May 2022, a total of 296 participants were enrolled. All were Black African, 147 (49.7%) were female, the median age was 64 years (range 60-77), and 280 (94.6%) were on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. The median BMD of lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck was 0.87 g/cm2 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.78-0.99), 0.89 g/cm2 (IQR 0.79-1.01), and 0.75 g/cm2 (IQR 0.67-0.84), respectively, with median T-scores of -1.9 (IQR -2.8 to -0.7), -1.0 (IQR -1.9 to -0.3), and -1.5 (IQR -2.2 to -0.9), respectively. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were found in 37.5% and 47.3% of participants, respectively. Major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture 10-year median probabilities using FRAX®-HIV were 3.4% (IQR 2.8-4.6) and 1.0% (IQR 0.7-1.3). Correlation coefficients between these FRAX®-HIV probabilities and femoral neck BMD were -0.204 for major osteoporotic fracture and -0.338 for hip fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of osteoporosis is high among older people living with HIV in Kenya, where DXA is not readily available and risk calculation without BMD had low correlation with measured BMD values. Additional data are required on the impact of investment in fracture risk assessment and treatment, including population-specific risk calculators.

Prevalence of HIV-associated osteoporosis and fracture risk in midlife women: a cross-sectional study in Zimbabwe

Antiretroviral therapy roll-out has dramatically reduced HIV-related mortality; more women are living to reach menopause. Menopausal estrogen loss causes bone loss, as does HIV and some of its treatments. However, data describing HIV's impact on osteoporosis prevalence and fracture risk are scarce in southern Africa. A cross-sectional study of women aged 40-60 years (49% women with HIV [WLH]) was conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe. Menopause, fracture, and HIV history were collected, and anthropometry and BMD (by DXA) measured, and FRAX 10-year fracture probabilities quantified. The FRAX probability of a major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) included HIV as a risk factor for secondary osteoporosis. Linear and Poisson regression determined the relationships between clinical risk factors and both femoral neck (FN) BMD and the 10-year FRAX probability of MOF respectively. The 393 participants had a mean (SD) age of 49.6 (5.8) years and mean (SD) BMI of 29.1 (6.0) kg/m2. 95% of WLH were antiretroviral therapy (ART) established (85% tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and 81% had a viral load <50 copies/mL. A BMD T-score ≤ -2.5 was more common in WLH than those without, at both FN and lumbar spine (LS) (FN, 22 [11.4%] vs 5 [2.5%]; LS, 40 [20.8%] vs 9 [4.5%], respectively). Prior fracture was more prevalent in WLH: any fracture type (27 [14%] vs 14 [7%]); MOF (14 [7.3%] vs 5 [2.5%]). WLH had a higher 10-year MOF probability (median, 1.2%; IQR, 0.9-1.8) compared with those without HIV (1.0%; IQR, 0.9-1.5) (p < .001), although probabilities were low. Older age, low weight, and HIV infection were strongly associated with lower FN BMD. Higher probability of MOF was associated with older age, HIV infection, parental hip fracture and prior fracture, although adjustment attenuated the association with HIV. No woman reported anti-osteoporosis medication use. While osteoporosis and previous fractures were common and untreated in this relatively young population, particularly in WLH, the FRAX-predicted 10-year MOF risk was low. Clinical risk factors considered in fracture risk prediction tools in Zimbabwe may need contextual modification.

HIV and fracture: Risk, assessment and intervention

OBJECTIVES

With management of comorbidity in people living with HIV (PLWH) a key component of clinical care, early loss of bone integrity and clinical fracture are recognized as important issues. This review aims to describe the epidemiology of fracture in PLWH, as well as summarizing the relative balance of factors that contribute to fracture. We also aim to describe fracture risk assessment and interventional strategies to modify the risk of fracture in this population.

RESULTS

Data from recent meta-analyses show that PLWH have significantly more fractures than the general population, with men and injecting drug users at higher risk. Modifiable factors that contribute to fracture risk in this cohort include body mass index (BMI), drug use, concurrent medications, frailty, and hepatitis C virus infection. Relating to antiretroviral therapy, current or ever tenofovir exposure has been identified as predictive of fracture but not cumulative use, and a potentially modest protective effect of efavirenz has been observed. Fracture Risk Assessment Tool scores underestimate fracture risk in PLWH with improved accuracy when HIV is considered a cause of secondary osteoporosis and bone mineral density (BMD) included.

CONCLUSION

Early consideration of risk, prompting evaluation of modifiable risk factors, frailty and falls risk with bone density imaging and prompt intervention may avert fracture in PLWH. Guidance on screening and lifestyle modification is available in international guidelines. Bisphosphonates are safe and effective in PLWH, with limited data for other agents.

Fracture Risk with Modified FRAX in Men Living with HIV

BACKGROUND

Aging of the HIV-infected population and prolonged use of ARTs, produced metabolic alterations, including increased fracture risk. FRAX is a validated, computer-based clinical fracture risk calculator which estimates 10-year risk of major fracture, and hip fracture. However may underestimate risk in HIV-infected individuals. Several experts recommend considering HIV a cause of secondary osteoporosis.

METHODOLOGY

Were included 52 men living with HIV, classified as high, moderate and low risk using ABRASSO graphic tool.

RESULTS

High risk prevalence found for major fracture and hip fracture were both 2 (4.2 %) using FRAX; while 10 (20.8 %) and 14 (29.2 %) using modified FRAX, respectively. Considering bone densitometry, 5 (12.8 %) were high risk for hip fracture and was noticed an increase in high risk major fracture from 4.2 % with FRAX to 5.1 % with FRAX considering bone densitometry. As for the low risk, 19 (39.6 %) for major fracture and 23 (47.9 %) for hip fracture with FRAX. While low risk modified FRAX were 0 (0 %) for major fracture and 8 (16.7 %) for hip fracture. It was also evidenced an association of high risk for major fracture and hip fracture with modified FRAX using Fisher's exact test [p=0.0273 (bilateral)].

CONCLUSION

It was concluded is recommended using modified FRAX for people living with HIV for better control and therapeutic decision-making about osteometabolic alterations provocated for the virus and ARTs.

Aging-Related Comorbidity Burden Among Women and Men With or At-Risk for HIV in the US, 2008-2019

Importance

Despite aging-related comorbidities representing a growing threat to quality-of-life and mortality among persons with HIV (PWH), clinical guidance for comorbidity screening and prevention is lacking. Understanding comorbidity distribution and severity by sex and gender is essential to informing guidelines for promoting healthy aging in adults with HIV.

Objective

To assess the association of human immunodeficiency virus on the burden of aging-related comorbidities among US adults in the modern treatment era.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional analysis included data from US multisite observational cohort studies of women (Women's Interagency HIV Study) and men (Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study) with HIV and sociodemographically comparable HIV-seronegative individuals. Participants were prospectively followed from 2008 for men and 2009 for women (when more than 80% of participants with HIV reported antiretroviral therapy use) through last observation up until March 2019, at which point outcomes were assessed. Data were analyzed from July 2020 to April 2021.

Exposures

HIV, age, sex.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Comorbidity burden (the number of total comorbidities out of 10 assessed) per participant; secondary outcomes included individual comorbidity prevalence. Linear regression assessed the association of HIV status, age, and sex with comorbidity burden.

Results

A total of 5929 individuals were included (median [IQR] age, 54 [46-61] years; 3238 women [55%]; 2787 Black [47%], 1153 Hispanic or other [19%], 1989 White [34%]). Overall, unadjusted mean comorbidity burden was higher among women vs men (3.4 [2.1] vs 3.2 [1.8]; P = .02). Comorbidity prevalence differed by sex for hypertension (2188 of 3238 women [68%] vs 2026 of 2691 men [75%]), psychiatric illness (1771 women [55%] vs 1565 men [58%]), dyslipidemia (1312 women [41%] vs 1728 men [64%]), liver (1093 women [34%] vs 1032 men [38%]), bone disease (1364 women [42%] vs 512 men [19%]), lung disease (1245 women [38%] vs 259 men [10%]), diabetes (763 women [24%] vs 470 men [17%]), cardiovascular (493 women [15%] vs 407 men [15%]), kidney (444 women [14%] vs 404 men [15%]) disease, and cancer (219 women [7%] vs 321 men [12%]). In an unadjusted model, the estimated mean difference in comorbidity burden among women vs men was significantly greater in every age strata among PWH: age under 40 years, 0.33 (95% CI, 0.03-0.63); ages 40 to 49 years, 0.37 (95% CI, 0.12-0.61); ages 50 to 59 years, 0.38 (95% CI, 0.20-0.56); ages 60 to 69 years, 0.66 (95% CI, 0.42-0.90); ages 70 years and older, 0.62 (95% CI, 0.07-1.17). However, the difference between sexes varied by age strata among persons without HIV: age under 40 years, 0.52 (95% CI, 0.13 to 0.92); ages 40 to 49 years, -0.07 (95% CI, -0.45 to 0.31); ages 50 to 59 years, 0.88 (95% CI, 0.62 to 1.14); ages 60 to 69 years, 1.39 (95% CI, 1.06 to 1.72); ages 70 years and older, 0.33 (95% CI, -0.53 to 1.19) (P for interaction = .001). In the covariate-adjusted model, findings were slightly attenuated but retained statistical significance.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, the overall burden of aging-related comorbidities was higher in women vs men, particularly among PWH, and the distribution of comorbidity prevalence differed by sex. Comorbidity screening and prevention strategies tailored by HIV serostatus and sex or gender may be needed.

Performance of a modified fracture risk assessment tool for fragility fracture prediction among older veterans living with HIV

OBJECTIVE

Fragility fractures (fractures) are a critical outcome for persons aging with HIV (PAH). Research suggests that the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) only modestly estimates fracture risk among PAH. We provide an updated evaluation of how well a 'modified FRAX' identifies PAH at risk for fractures in a contemporary HIV cohort.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

We used data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study to evaluate veterans living with HIV, aged 50+ years, for the occurrence of fractures from 1 January 2010 through 31 December 2019. Data from 2009 were used to evaluate the eight FRAX predictors available to us: age, sex, BMI, history of previous fracture, glucocorticoid use, rheumatoid arthritis, alcohol use, and smoking status. These predictor values were then used to estimate participant risk for each of two types of fractures (major osteoporotic and hip) over the subsequent 10 years in strata defined by race/ethnicity using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Discrimination for major osteoporotic fracture was modest [Blacks: area under the curve (AUC) 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62, 0.63; Whites: AUC 0.61; 95% CI 0.60, 0.61; Hispanic: AUC 0.63; 95% CI 0.62, 0.65]. For hip fractures, discrimination was modest to good (Blacks: AUC 0.70; 95% CI 0.69, 0.71; Whites: AUC 0.68; 95% CI 0.67, 0.69]. Calibration was good in all models across all racial/ethnic groups.

CONCLUSION

Our 'modified FRAX' exhibited modest discrimination for predicting major osteoporotic fracture and slightly better discrimination for hip fracture. Future studies should explore whether augmentation of this subset of FRAX predictors results in enhanced prediction of fractures among PAH.

Prevalence of and risk factors for vertebral fracture and low bone mineral density among Peruvian women aging with HIV

Osteoporosis and fracture risk among women with HIV in Latin America is understudied. In a sample of Peruvian women with and without HIV, women with HIV had lower femoral neck and total hip BMD and a higher proportion of vertebral fractures. Important treatment gaps were identified across both groups.

PURPOSE

Studies have shown that patients with HIV are at increased risk for bone loss and fracture due to a combination of host, viral, and antiretroviral therapy (ART)-related factors. We aimed to explore the prevalence of vertebral fracture (VF) and low bone mineral density (BMD) among women aging with HIV in Peru and identify risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture in this population.

METHODS

We enrolled women living with and without HIV aged ≥40 years between 2019 and 2020. Participants completed a survey and obtained dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test to assess BMD at the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total hip (TH). A subset of patients also obtained lateral thoracolumbar X-rays. Presence of VF was determined using the Genant semiquantitative method. Regression analyses were used to model associations between key risk factors and BMD.

RESULTS

104 women living with HIV and 212 women living without HIV were enrolled with a mean age of 52.4±8.2 and 56.4±8.8 years (p < 0.001). Among postmenopausal women (257/316, 81.3%), 26.3% of women living with HIV and 25.9% of those without HIV had osteoporosis. Among the 88 women living with HIV and 178 women living without HIV who obtained thoracolumbar X-rays, 12.5% and 6.2%, respectively, had at least one VF. Based on DXA and the FRAX score, 22/104 women living with HIV met criteria for osteoporosis treatment according to national guidelines; however, none were on treatment. Propensity score matching revealed that women living with HIV had 0.032 g/cm2 lower FN BMD (p = 0.012) and 0.034 g/cm2 lower TH BMD (p = 0.041) compared to women without HIV.

CONCLUSION

In this study, women living with HIV on long-standing ART had increased VF prevalence compared to the slightly older group of women without HIV. Age and BMI were independent predictors for BMD at the lumbar spine, hip, and femoral neck among women living with HIV, and there was a treatment gap among women who met criteria for osteoporosis treatment. Larger studies are needed in this region to identify individuals at risk for fracture and to inform prevention guidelines.

Screening for the primary prevention of fragility fractures among adults aged 40 years and older in primary care: systematic reviews of the effects and acceptability of screening and treatment, and the accuracy of risk prediction tools

BACKGROUND

To inform recommendations by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, we reviewed evidence on the benefits, harms, and acceptability of screening and treatment, and on the accuracy of risk prediction tools for the primary prevention of fragility fractures among adults aged 40 years and older in primary care.

METHODS

For screening effectiveness, accuracy of risk prediction tools, and treatment benefits, our search methods involved integrating studies published up to 2016 from an existing systematic review. Then, to locate more recent studies and any evidence relating to acceptability and treatment harms, we searched online databases (2016 to April 4, 2022 [screening] or to June 1, 2021 [predictive accuracy]; 1995 to June 1, 2021, for acceptability; 2016 to March 2, 2020, for treatment benefits; 2015 to June 24, 2020, for treatment harms), trial registries and gray literature, and hand-searched reviews, guidelines, and the included studies. Two reviewers selected studies, extracted results, and appraised risk of bias, with disagreements resolved by consensus or a third reviewer. The overview of reviews on treatment harms relied on one reviewer, with verification of data by another reviewer to correct errors and omissions. When appropriate, study results were pooled using random effects meta-analysis; otherwise, findings were described narratively. Evidence certainty was rated according to the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

We included 4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 1 controlled clinical trial (CCT) for the benefits and harms of screening, 1 RCT for comparative benefits and harms of different screening strategies, 32 validation cohort studies for the calibration of risk prediction tools (26 of these reporting on the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool without [i.e., clinical FRAX], or with the inclusion of bone mineral density (BMD) results [i.e., FRAX + BMD]), 27 RCTs for the benefits of treatment, 10 systematic reviews for the harms of treatment, and 12 studies for the acceptability of screening or initiating treatment. In females aged 65 years and older who are willing to independently complete a mailed fracture risk questionnaire (referred to as "selected population"), 2-step screening using a risk assessment tool with or without measurement of BMD probably (moderate certainty) reduces the risk of hip fractures (3 RCTs and 1 CCT, n = 43,736, absolute risk reduction [ARD] = 6.2 fewer in 1000, 95% CI 9.0-2.8 fewer, number needed to screen [NNS] = 161) and clinical fragility fractures (3 RCTs, n = 42,009, ARD = 5.9 fewer in 1000, 95% CI 10.9-0.8 fewer, NNS = 169). It probably does not reduce all-cause mortality (2 RCTs and 1 CCT, n = 26,511, ARD = no difference in 1000, 95% CI 7.1 fewer to 5.3 more) and may (low certainty) not affect health-related quality of life. Benefits for fracture outcomes were not replicated in an offer-to-screen population where the rate of response to mailed screening questionnaires was low. For females aged 68-80 years, population screening may not reduce the risk of hip fractures (1 RCT, n = 34,229, ARD = 0.3 fewer in 1000, 95% CI 4.2 fewer to 3.9 more) or clinical fragility fractures (1 RCT, n = 34,229, ARD = 1.0 fewer in 1000, 95% CI 8.0 fewer to 6.0 more) over 5 years of follow-up. The evidence for serious adverse events among all patients and for all outcomes among males and younger females (<65 years) is very uncertain. We defined overdiagnosis as the identification of high risk in individuals who, if not screened, would never have known that they were at risk and would never have experienced a fragility fracture. This was not directly reported in any of the trials. Estimates using data available in the trials suggest that among "selected" females offered screening, 12% of those meeting age-specific treatment thresholds based on clinical FRAX 10-year hip fracture risk, and 19% of those meeting thresholds based on clinical FRAX 10-year major osteoporotic fracture risk, may be overdiagnosed as being at high risk of fracture. Of those identified as being at high clinical FRAX 10-year hip fracture risk and who were referred for BMD assessment, 24% may be overdiagnosed. One RCT (n = 9268) provided evidence comparing 1-step to 2-step screening among postmenopausal females, but the evidence from this trial was very uncertain. For the calibration of risk prediction tools, evidence from three Canadian studies (n = 67,611) without serious risk of bias concerns indicates that clinical FRAX-Canada may be well calibrated for the 10-year prediction of hip fractures (observed-to-expected fracture ratio [O:E] = 1.13, 95% CI 0.74-1.72, I2 = 89.2%), and is probably well calibrated for the 10-year prediction of clinical fragility fractures (O:E = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.20, I2 = 50.4%), both leading to some underestimation of the observed risk. Data from these same studies (n = 61,156) showed that FRAX-Canada with BMD may perform poorly to estimate 10-year hip fracture risk (O:E = 1.31, 95% CI 0.91-2.13, I2 = 92.7%), but is probably well calibrated for the 10-year prediction of clinical fragility fractures, with some underestimation of the observed risk (O:E 1.16, 95% CI 1.12-1.20, I2 = 0%). The Canadian Association of Radiologists and Osteoporosis Canada Risk Assessment (CAROC) tool may be well calibrated to predict a category of risk for 10-year clinical fractures (low, moderate, or high risk; 1 study, n = 34,060). The evidence for most other tools was limited, or in the case of FRAX tools calibrated for countries other than Canada, very uncertain due to serious risk of bias concerns and large inconsistency in findings across studies. Postmenopausal females in a primary prevention population defined as <50% prevalence of prior fragility fracture (median 16.9%, range 0 to 48% when reported in the trials) and at risk of fragility fracture, treatment with bisphosphonates as a class (median 2 years, range 1-6 years) probably reduces the risk of clinical fragility fractures (19 RCTs, n = 22,482, ARD = 11.1 fewer in 1000, 95% CI 15.0-6.6 fewer, [number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome] NNT = 90), and may reduce the risk of hip fractures (14 RCTs, n = 21,038, ARD = 2.9 fewer in 1000, 95% CI 4.6-0.9 fewer, NNT = 345) and clinical vertebral fractures (11 RCTs, n = 8921, ARD = 10.0 fewer in 1000, 95% CI 14.0-3.9 fewer, NNT = 100); it may not reduce all-cause mortality. There is low certainty evidence of little-to-no reduction in hip fractures with any individual bisphosphonate, but all provided evidence of decreased risk of clinical fragility fractures (moderate certainty for alendronate [NNT=68] and zoledronic acid [NNT=50], low certainty for risedronate [NNT=128]) among postmenopausal females. Evidence for an impact on risk of clinical vertebral fractures is very uncertain for alendronate and risedronate; zoledronic acid may reduce the risk of this outcome (4 RCTs, n = 2367, ARD = 18.7 fewer in 1000, 95% CI 25.6-6.6 fewer, NNT = 54) for postmenopausal females. Denosumab probably reduces the risk of clinical fragility fractures (6 RCTs, n = 9473, ARD = 9.1 fewer in 1000, 95% CI 12.1-5.6 fewer, NNT = 110) and clinical vertebral fractures (4 RCTs, n = 8639, ARD = 16.0 fewer in 1000, 95% CI 18.6-12.1 fewer, NNT=62), but may make little-to-no difference in the risk of hip fractures among postmenopausal females. Denosumab probably makes little-to-no difference in the risk of all-cause mortality or health-related quality of life among postmenopausal females. Evidence in males is limited to two trials (1 zoledronic acid, 1 denosumab); in this population, zoledronic acid may make little-to-no difference in the risk of hip or clinical fragility fractures, and evidence for all-cause mortality is very uncertain. The evidence for treatment with denosumab in males is very uncertain for all fracture outcomes (hip, clinical fragility, clinical vertebral) and all-cause mortality. There is moderate certainty evidence that treatment causes a small number of patients to experience a non-serious adverse event, notably non-serious gastrointestinal events (e.g., abdominal pain, reflux) with alendronate (50 RCTs, n = 22,549, ARD = 16.3 more in 1000, 95% CI 2.4-31.3 more, [number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome] NNH = 61) but not with risedronate; influenza-like symptoms with zoledronic acid (5 RCTs, n = 10,695, ARD = 142.5 more in 1000, 95% CI 105.5-188.5 more, NNH = 7); and non-serious gastrointestinal adverse events (3 RCTs, n = 8454, ARD = 64.5 more in 1000, 95% CI 26.4-13.3 more, NNH = 16), dermatologic adverse events (3 RCTs, n = 8454, ARD = 15.6 more in 1000, 95% CI 7.6-27.0 more, NNH = 64), and infections (any severity; 4 RCTs, n = 8691, ARD = 1.8 more in 1000, 95% CI 0.1-4.0 more, NNH = 556) with denosumab. For serious adverse events overall and specific to stroke and myocardial infarction, treatment with bisphosphonates probably makes little-to-no difference; evidence for other specific serious harms was less certain or not available. There was low certainty evidence for an increased risk for the rare occurrence of atypical femoral fractures (0.06 to 0.08 more in 1000) and osteonecrosis of the jaw (0.22 more in 1000) with bisphosphonates (most evidence for alendronate). The evidence for these rare outcomes and for rebound fractures with denosumab was very uncertain. Younger (lower risk) females have high willingness to be screened. A minority of postmenopausal females at increased risk for fracture may accept treatment. Further, there is large heterogeneity in the level of risk at which patients may be accepting of initiating treatment, and treatment effects appear to be overestimated.

CONCLUSION

An offer of 2-step screening with risk assessment and BMD measurement to selected postmenopausal females with low prevalence of prior fracture probably results in a small reduction in the risk of clinical fragility fracture and hip fracture compared to no screening. These findings were most applicable to the use of clinical FRAX for risk assessment and were not replicated in the offer-to-screen population where the rate of response to mailed screening questionnaires was low. Limited direct evidence on harms of screening were available; using study data to provide estimates, there may be a moderate degree of overdiagnosis of high risk for fracture to consider. The evidence for younger females and males is very limited. The benefits of screening and treatment need to be weighed against the potential for harm; patient views on the acceptability of treatment are highly variable.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42019123767.

Bone Health in People Living with HIV/AIDS: An Update of Where We Are and Potential Future Strategies

The developments in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) treatment and in the care of people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) over the last three decades has led to a significant increase in life expectancy, on par with HIV-negative individuals. Aside from the fact that bone fractures tend to occur 10 years earlier than in HIV-negative individuals, HIV is, per se, an independent risk factor for bone fractures. A few available antiretroviral therapies (ARVs) are also linked with osteoporosis, particularly those involving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) coinfection is associated with a greater risk of osteoporosis and fracture than HIV monoinfection. Both the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) and measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) via a DEXA scan are routinely used in the assessment of fracture risk in individuals living with HIV, as bone loss is thought to start between the ages of 40 and 50 years old. The main treatment for established osteoporosis involves bisphosphonates. Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D is part of clinical practice of most HIV centers globally. Further research is needed to assess (i) the cut-off age for assessment of osteoporosis, (ii) the utility of anti-osteoporotic agents in PLWHIV and (iii) how concomitant viral infections and COVID-19 in PLWHIV can increase risk of osteoporosis.

Cumulative Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 Viremia Is Associated With Increased Risk of Multimorbidity Among US Women With HIV, 1997-2019

Background

To evaluate the effect of cumulative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 viremia on aging-related multimorbidity among women with HIV (WWH), we analyzed data collected prospectively among women who achieved viral suppression after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation (1997-2019).

Methods

We included WWH with ≥2 plasma HIV-1 viral loads (VL) <200 copies/mL within a 2-year period (baseline) following self-reported ART use. Primary outcome was multimorbidity (≥2 nonacquired immune deficiency syndrome comorbidities [NACM] of 5 total assessed). The trapezoidal rule calculated viremia copy-years (VCY) as area-under-the-VL-curve. Cox proportional hazard models estimated the association of time-updated cumulative VCY with incident multimorbidity and with incidence of each NACM, adjusting for important covariates (eg, age, CD4 count, etc).

Results

Eight hundred six WWH contributed 6368 women-years, with median 12 (Q1-Q3, 7-23) VL per participant. At baseline, median age was 39 years, 56% were Black, and median CD4 was 534 cells/mm3. Median time-updated cumulative VCY was 5.4 (Q1-Q3, 4.7-6.9) log10 copy-years/mL. Of 211 (26%) WWH who developed multimorbidity, 162 (77%) had incident hypertension, 133 (63%) had dyslipidemia, 60 (28%) had diabetes, 52 (25%) had cardiovascular disease, and 32 (15%) had kidney disease. Compared with WWH who had time-updated cumulative VCY <5 log10, the adjusted hazard ratio of multimorbidity was 1.99 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-3.08) and 3.78 (95% CI, 2.17-6.58) for those with VCY 5-6.9 and ≥7 log10 copy-years/mL, respectively (P < .0001). Higher time-updated cumulative VCY increased the risk of each NACM.

Conclusions

Among ART-treated WWH, greater cumulative viremia increased the risk of multimorbidity and of developing each NACM, and hence this may be a prognostically useful biomarker for NACM risk assessment in this population.

Improving Recognition of Fracture Risk in People with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Performance and Model Contribution of Two Common Risk Assessment Tools

Current guidelines recommend screening people with HIV (PWH) for bone disease using predictive tools developed for the general population, although data on PWH are scarce. In this study, we assessed the performance of FRAX and QFracture scoring systems to predict the occurrence of fragility fractures in a prospective cohort of 17,671 adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) included in the HIV/AIDS research network (CoRIS) in Spain. The survival estimates of fragility fractures during follow-up were calculated and FRAX and QFracture scores were computed at cohort inclusion. For both tools, discriminatory measures and the observed-to-expected (O/E) ratios were assessed. During a follow-up time of 42,411.55 person-years, 113 fragility fractures were recorded. Areas under the curve were 0.66 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.61-0.71] for FRAX and 0.67 (95% CI 0.62-0.73) for QFracture for major osteoporotic fractures, and 0.72 (95% CI 0.57-0.88) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.68-0.95) for hip fracture, respectively. The O/E was 1.67 for FRAX and 5.49 for QFracture for major osteoporotic fractures, and 11.23 for FRAX and 4.87 for QFracture for hip fractures. Moreover, O/E raised as the risk increased for both tools and in almost all age groups. When using the recommended assessment thresholds, <6% and 10% of major osteoporotic and hip fractures would have been identified, respectively. In conclusion, FRAX and QFracture displayed acceptable discrimination, although both tools significantly underestimated the risk of fragility fractures in PWH. The recommended assessment thresholds may not be appropriate for this population as they were unable to identify individuals with fragility fractures during follow-up.

Osteoporosis and HIV Infection

Life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) is now close to that of the HIV-uninfected population. As a result, age-related comorbidities, including osteoporosis, are increasing in PLWH. This narrative review describes the epidemiology of bone fragility in PLWH, changes of bone features over the course of HIV infection and their determinants, as well as the available evidence regarding the management of osteoporosis in PLWH. The risk of fracture is higher and increases about 10 years earlier compared to the general population. The classical risk factors of bone fragility are very widespread and are major determinants of bone health in this population. The majority of bone loss occurs during virus replication and during immune reconstitution at antiretroviral therapies (ART) initiation, which both increase osteoclast activity. Abnormalities in bone formation and mineralization have also been shown in histomorphometric studies in untreated PLWH. Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) is the first line tool for assessing fracture risk in postmenopausal women, men above 50 years, and other HIV-infected patients with clinical risk factors for osteoporosis. FRAX underestimates fracture probability in PLWH. In case of indication for anti-osteoporotic drug, bisphosphonates remain the reference option. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation should be considered as ART initiation, since it may attenuate bone loss at this stage. Bone-protective ART regimens improve BMD compared to other regimens, but to a lesser extent than bisphosphonate, and without available data on their influence on the incidence of fracture.

Association of the VACS Index With Hospitalization Among People With HIV in the NA-ACCORD

BACKGROUND

People with HIV (PWH) have a higher hospitalization rate than the general population. The Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) Index at study entry well predicts hospitalization in PWH, but it is unknown if the time-updated parameter improves hospitalization prediction. We assessed the association of parameterizations of the VACS Index 2.0 with the 5-year risk of hospitalization.

SETTING

PWH ≥30 years old with at least 12 months of antiretroviral therapy (ART) use and contributing hospitalization data from 2000 to 2016 in North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design (NA-ACCORD) were included. Three parameterizations of the VACS Index 2.0 were assessed and categorized by quartile: (1) "baseline" measurement at study entry; (2) time-updated measurements; and (3) cumulative scores calculated using the trapezoidal rule.

METHODS

Discrete-time proportional hazard models estimated the crude and adjusted associations (and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of the VACS Index parameterizations and all-cause hospitalizations. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) assessed the model fit with each of the VACS Index parameters.

RESULTS

Among 7289 patients, 1537 were hospitalized. Time-updated VACS Index fitted hospitalization best with a more distinct dose-response relationship [score <43: reference; score 43-55: aHR = 1.93 (95% CI: 1.66 to 2.23); score 55-68: aHR = 3.63 (95% CI: 3.12 to 4.23); score ≥68: aHR = 9.98 (95% CI: 8.52 to 11.69)] than study entry and cumulative VACS Index after adjusting for known risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Time-updated VACS Index 2.0 had the strongest association with hospitalization and best fit to the data. Health care providers should consider using it when assessing hospitalization risk among PWH.

Bone deleterious effects of different nrtis in treatment-naïve HIV patients after 12 and 48 weeks of treatment

Background

Bone alterations have been observed in the course of HIV infection, characterized by a marked decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and an increase in the frequency of fractures as a result of fragility. We aim to evaluate early changes in bone metabolic profile and the possible association with tenofovir and other nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in treatment-naïve HIV patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study in naïve HIV-infected adults (under 50 years), separated into three groups according to NRTI therapy: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF); tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and abacavir (ABC). BMD and epidemiological, immunological and metabolic bone parameters were evaluated. Bone markers were analyzed in plasma at baseline, 12 and 48 weeks after initiating treatment.

Results

Average age of patients was 34.8 years (± 9.6). 92.4% of them with CD4 count > 200 cel/μL. At week 12 after starting treatment, both TDF [increase in PN1P (31.7%, p = 0.004), TRAP (11.1%, p = 0.003), OPN (19.3%, p = 0.045) and OC (38.6%, p = 0.001); decrease in OPG (-23.4%, p = 0.003)] and TAF [increase in 42.6% for CTX (p = 0.011), 27.3% for OC (p = 0.001) and 21% for TRAP (p = 0.008); decrease in OPG (-28.8%, p = 0.049)] presented a deep resorption profile compared to ABC, these differences in bone molecular markers, a tendency to equalize at week 48, where no significant differences were observed. Patients treated with TDF showed the greatest decrease in Z-score in both lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) at week 48 without statistically significant differences.

Conclusion

Treatment-naïve HIV patients have a high prevalence of low bone density. Treatment with TDF is associated with greater bone deterioration at 12 and 48 weeks. TAF seems to present similar early bone deterioration at 12 weeks which disappears at 48 weeks.

Increased risk factors associated with lower BMD in antiretroviral-therapy-naïve HIV-infected adult male

BACKGROUND

Low BMD (bone mineral density) has been described as a non-AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)-related event in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-patients but it is poorly studied in young HIV-infected men who have received no previous antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 245 naïve-HIV-infected men over 21 and under 50 years old who voluntary attended the Infectious Disease Division appointment in Hospital Fundación Jimenez Díaz in Madrid, from January 1st, 2014 to September 30th, 2017. All subjects underwent a baseline DXA scan (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) performed prior to start antiretroviral treatment. Further, all patients who started treatment between May 1st and September 30th, 2017 were invited to participate in a substudy on bone mineral metabolism. All the information was collected through clinical history and complementary questionnaire.

RESULTS

The mean age was 36.4 years, been 68% Caucasian, 29.3% Latin American and 2.7% African race. At the time of diagnosis, 91% of patients had stage-A (median CD4+ T-cell 481cells/μL, IQR, 320-659). 10% had a count below 200 CD4 cells/μL, and 40% had a CD4/CD8 cell-count-ratio below 0.4. Regarding lifestyle and risk factors, 14.1% presented underweight, 36.1% were not engage in any regular exercise, 51.9% were active smokers and 35.3% reported drug use. Low levels of vitamin D were seen in 87.6% of the study participants. Low BMD (Z-score <- 2.0) was found in 22.8% of the patients. It was only observed a significant association of Z-score in lumbar spine (LS) with CD8 and the CD4/CD8 ratio, and with alcohol for femoral neck (FN) measurement.

CONCLUSIONS

We find prevalence of increased bone involvement among naïve HIV-infected men under 50 years old. Further studies are necessary to evaluate if changes in actual guidelines are needed to assess BMD measurements in HIV-infected adult male patients under 50.

Increased Fragility Fracture Rates in Older Men With Osteomyelitis

In this study, we evaluated fracture incidence over a 10-year period among men with and without osteomyelitis from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study. Fracture incidence was significantly higher among those with osteomyelitis at all osteoporotic fracture sites after adjusting for key related risk factors. Future prospective studies are warranted.

Strengths and Limitations of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index as a Measure of Physiologic Frailty

The Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index (VACS Index) is an index comprised of routine clinical laboratory tests that accurately and generalizably predicts all-cause mortality among those living with and without HIV infection. Increasing evidence supports its use as a measure of physiologic frailty among those aging with HIV because of its associations with frailty related outcomes including mortality, hospitalization, fragility fractures, serious falls, pneumonia, cognitive decline, delirium, and functional decline. In this review, we explore the evidence supporting the validity (construct, correlative, and predictive), responsiveness, and feasibility of the VACS Index as an early indicator of physiologic frailty. We also consider its limitations.

People living with HIV and fracture risk

PLHIV have an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures when compared with people of the same age and sex. In this review, we address the epidemiology and the pathophysiology of bone disease and fractures in PLHIV. The assessment of fracture risk and fracture prevention in these subjects is also discussed. The spectrum of HIV-associated disease has changed dramatically since the introduction of potent antiretroviral drugs. Today, the survival of people living with HIV (PLHIV) is close to that of the general population. However, the longer life-span in PLHIV is accompanied by an increased prevalence of chronic diseases. Detrimental effects on bone health are well recognised, with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures, including vertebral fractures, compared to the general population. The causes of bone disease in PLHIV are not fully understood, but include HIV-specific risk factors such as use of antiretrovirals and the presence of chronic inflammation, as well as traditional risk factors for fracture. Current guidelines recommend the use of FRAX to assess fracture probability in PLHIV age ≥ 40 years and measurement of bone mineral density in those at increased fracture risk. Vitamin D deficiency, if present, should be treated. Bisphosphonates have been shown to increase bone density in PLHIV although fracture outcomes are not available.

Use of Bisphosphonates, Calcium and Vitamin D for Bone Demineralization in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Background

The present study performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials using bisphosphonates for bone demineralization in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed from January 2004 to January 2020 considering the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (LS) as the main outcome. Out of 214 titles that met criteria, 9 studies fulfilled the selection criteria.

Results

A total of 394 patients were identified, and they were allocated into 2 groups: the intervention group (200 patients), to whom a combination of alendronate or zoledronate with calcium and vitamin D was administered; and control group (194 patients), to whom only calcium and vitamin D was administered. Clinical profile and indicators of bone metabolism of the participants were evaluated regarding effect size, homogeneity, and consistency. No substantial heterogeneity between the groups was found for the baseline variables, and there was high consistency to the main outcome. The meta-analysis shows a significant difference in post-treatment BMD, favoring the intervention over the control treatment. The intervention improved LS density up to 0.227 g/cm², raising the average to the levels of general population. Adverse effects related to intervention were fever immediately after zoledronate administration and gastrointestinal complaints during alendronate usage. Other adverse effects were barely reported and poorly connected to intervention by studies’ authors, despite all of them have been successfully resolved.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that BMD post-treatment is better in HIV patients who used bisphosphonates combined with calcium and vitamin D.

HCV co-infection among people living with HIV Is associated with Higher fracture risk

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to predict the 10-year risk of fracture among people living with HIV (PLWH) using FRAX™, and to determine the risk factors related to a high probability of fractures.

METHODOLOGY

This study consisted of 288 subjects aged 40 years and above. The ten-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) and hip fractures was assessed using the FRAX™ algorithm with bone mineral density (BMD) data. A logistic regression was used to determine risk factors related to a high probability of major osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture.

RESULTS

The median 10-year probability of fracture was 3.7% (IQR 2.2-6.2) for MOF and 0.8% (IQR 0.3-2.5) for hip fractures. In addition to old age, previous fracture history, and low T-scores, HCV co-infection was associated with a higher risk of hip fractures in PLWH (AOR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.29-14.33). Old age and low T-scores were also associated with a high probability of MOF.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV co-infection among PLWH is associated with a higher risk of hip fracture. Sustained efforts in terms of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions in PLWH are necessary to prevent osteoporotic fractures, especially in those with HCV co-infections.

Management of Osteoporosis in Patients Living With HIV-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Osteoporosis is reported as a common comorbidity in patients living with HIV (PLHIV). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the evidence on fracture risk in PLHIV, bone mineral density (BMD) in PLHIV compared with controls, longitudinal changes in BMD in PLHIV, and effect of antiosteoporosis treatment in PLHIV.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using the databases Medline at PubMed and EMBASE using the search terms: "HIV" and "fracture" or "bone turnover," or "bone mineral density." Eligibility criteria followed the aim of the study and include randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Two reviewers extracted the data independently. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects model assessing fracture risk, BMD compared with controls, and changes in BMD.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-two of 2397 papers identified were included in the systematic review, and subsequently, 84 were included in the meta-analysis. The risks of a fragility fracture [1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.41 to 1.63] and hip fracture (4.05, 95% CI: 2.99 to 5.49) were increased. PLHIV have lower BMD at the hip (z-score -0.31, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.27) and lumbar spine (z-score -0.36, 95% CI: -0.39 to -0.15) compared with controls. The reduced BMD did not fully explain the increased fracture risk in PLHIV.

CONCLUSIONS

Current management of osteoporosis in PLHIV follows general osteoporosis guidelines; however, the increased fracture risk is not fully explained by lower BMD, and thus, antiosteoporosis intervention may be beneficial at a higher BMD in PLHIV.

Brief Report: Low Sensitivity of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool in Young HIV-Infected Patients: Time to Revise Our Screening Strategy

OBJECTIVES

The burden of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is high among HIV-infected patients. As a screening strategy, current guidelines recommend calculating a Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) score in patients aged 40-49 years. Patients with a 10-year risk of a major osteoporotic fracture ≥10% should undergo dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess BMD. The aim of this study was to establish the sensitivity of this threshold to identify patients with risk of osteoporosis in this age category-as a surrogate marker for high fracture risk.

METHODS

The study group consisted of patients aged 50-59 years and living with HIV for at least 10 years who recently underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A clinical risk factor-based FRAX score was calculated using patient characteristics from 10 years earlier. In this way, we assessed which patients would have undergone DXA while they were 40-49 year old.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 126 patients; 23 patients (18.3%) had osteoporosis. Ten years before the DXA, none of them met the guideline threshold of a 10-year major osteoporotic fracture probability of ≥10%, resulting in a sensitivity of 0% in this cohort. There was no difference between the median FRAX score between patients who developed osteoporosis and those who did not (3.3% vs. 3.4%. P = 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

FRAX lacks sensitivity to determine which HIV-infected patients aged 40-49 years should undergo BMD testing to identify reduced BMD. Its role should be limited to treatment decisions.

Non-AIDS comorbidity burden differs by sex, race, and insurance type in aging adults in HIV care

OBJECTIVE

To understand the epidemiology of non-AIDS-related chronic comorbidities (NACMs) among aging persons with HIV (PWH).

DESIGN

Prospective multicenter observational study to assess, in an age-stratified fashion, number and types of NACMs by demographic and HIV factors.

METHODS

Eligible participants were seen during 1 January 1997 to 30 June 2015, followed for more than 5 years, received antiretroviral therapy (ART), and virally suppressed (HIV viral load <200 copies/ml ≥75% of observation time). Age was stratified (18-40, 41-50, 51-60, ≥61 years). NACMs included cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, arthritis, viral hepatitis, anemia, and psychiatric illness.

RESULTS

Of 1540 patients, 1247 (81%) were men, 406 (26%) non-Hispanic blacks (NHB), 183 (12%) Hispanics/Latinos, 575 (37%) with public insurance, 939 (61%) MSM, and 125 (8%) with injection drug use history. By age strata 18-40, 41-50, 51-60, and at least 61 years, there were 180, 502, 560, and 298 patients, respectively. Median HIV Outpatient Study observation was 10.8 years (range: min-max = 5.0-18.5). Mean number of NACMs increased with older age category (1.4, 2.1, 3.0, and 3.9, respectively; P < 0.001), as did prevalence of most NACMs (P < 0.001). Age-related differences in NACM numbers were primarily due to anemia, hepatitis C virus infection, and diabetes. Differences (all P < 0.05) in NACM number existed by sex (women >men, 3.9 vs. 3.4), race/ethnicity (NHB >non-NHB, 3.8 vs. 3.4), and insurance status (public >private, 4.3 vs. 3.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Age-related increases existed in prevalence and number of NACMs, with disproportionate burden among women, NHBs, and the publicly insured. These groups should be targeted for screening and prevention strategies aimed at NACM reduction.

Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index as a Marker of Bone Disease in HIV-Infected Patients

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have higher risk of low bone mineral density (BMD) and fragility fracture than general population. The aim of our retrospective study was to explore if HIV-specific Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) Index and its specific components could help identify patients at risk for low BMD. A total of 195 HIV-infected patients with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan between 2007 and 2014 were included and DXA scan results were used to classify patients with osteopenia. VACS Index was calculated for all patients using laboratory values closest to the date of DXA scan. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between VACS Index score or individual components of VACS Index with the presence of low BMD after adjusting for confounding variables. A total of 109 (56%) patients were diagnosed with low BMD. VACS Index score was significantly associated with low BMD, with the odds of low BMD increasing 1.21 times for each 10 unit increase in VACS Index score [confidence interval (95% CI) 1.03-1.42; p = .02]. The two groups differed significantly on patient weights, proportion of white patients, and hepatitis C-coinfected patients. After adjusting for white race and weight, hepatitis C coinfection was significantly associated with increased risk of low BMD (odds ratio 24.4; 95% CI 7.45-80.16). VACS Index score, previously demonstrated to be a marker of frailty in HIV-infected patients, is significantly associated with risk of low BMD and could be used to develop a prediction tool to screen for low BMD in resource-limited setting where DXA scans are not easily available.

HIV and Aging: Reconsidering the Approach to Management of Comorbidities

Health care for older adults with human immunodeficiency virus can be highly complex, resource intensive, and carry a high administrative burden. Data from aging longitudinal cohorts and feedback from the human immunodeficiency virus community suggest that the current model is not meeting the needs of these older adults. We introduce the 6 Ms approach, which acknowledges the multicomplexity of older adults with human immunodeficiency virus, simplifies geriatric principles for non-geriatrics-trained providers, and minimizes extensive training and specialized screening tests or tools. Implementing novel approaches to care requires support at local/national levels.

Performance of fracture risk assessment tool in HIV-positive male individuals aged ≥45 years on suppressive antiretroviral therapy

INTRODUCTION

An age-specific evaluation and management algorithm for reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is suggested for HIV-positive patients without major risk factors. Whether combination of BMD and the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) may detect more individuals for therapeutic interventions remains unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence of middle-aged or older HIV-positive males fitting the criteria of therapeutic interventions with different approaches.

METHODS

From July 2016 to February 2018, HIV-positive male patients aged ≥45 years receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy were recruited in a cross-sectional study, at two designated hospitals for HIV care in northern Taiwan. Patients with malignancy, AIDS, pre-existing bone disease or immobilization were excluded. Information on clinical and demographic characteristics, FRAX questionnaire, activity questionnaire, BMD and serum 25(OH)D was obtained. FRAX scores combined with BMD (FRAX/BMD) and without BMD (FRAX) were calculated. The data were analysed on the basis of major risk factors for fragility fracture and age stratification, FRAX score and BMD results respectively.

RESULTS

We enrolled 330 patients with a mean age of 51.6 years and CD4 610 cells/μL, in whom 98.1% (n = 324) underwent BMD assessment of one site or more. By FRAX, 6.7% (n = 22) reached treatment thresholds (10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture ≥20% and/or hip fracture ≥3%). The prevalence of osteopenia (-2.5

CONCLUSIONS

With FRAX as a screening approach among HIV-positive male patients aged ≥45 years, addition of BMD assessment may detect more candidates for therapeutic management.

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Key Words

• ageing
• bone mineral density
• combination antiretroviral therapy
• osteopenia
• osteoporosis

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MESH Headings

• Adult
• Algorithms
• Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use
• Bone Density
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Fractures, Bone/etiology
• HIV Seropositivity/complications
• HIV Seropositivity/drug therapy
• HIV Seropositivity/epidemiology
• Hip Fractures/etiology
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Osteoporosis/etiology
• Osteoporotic Fractures/etiology
• Prevalence
• Risk Factors
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Taiwan/epidemiology

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Affiliation(s)

Mao‐Song Tsai Department of Internal MedicineFar Eastern Memorial HospitalNew Taipei CityTaiwan School of MedicineCollege of MedicineFu Jen Catholic UniversityNew Taipei CityTaiwan
Jun‐Yu Zhang Center of Infection ControlNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
Hsin‐Yun Sun Department of Internal MedicineNational Taiwan University Hospital and NationalTaiwan University College of MedicineTaipeiTaiwan
Wen‐Chun Liu Department of Internal MedicineNational Taiwan University Hospital and NationalTaiwan University College of MedicineTaipeiTaiwan
Pei‐Ying Wu Center of Infection ControlNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
Chia‐Jui Yang Department of Internal MedicineFar Eastern Memorial HospitalNew Taipei CityTaiwan School of MedicineNational Yang‐Ming UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
Chien‐Ching Hung Department of Internal MedicineNational Taiwan University Hospital and NationalTaiwan University College of MedicineTaipeiTaiwan Department of Tropical Medicine and ParasitologyNational Taiwan University College of MedicineTaipeiTaiwan

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Proteinuria Is Associated With Increased Risk of Fragility Fracture in Men With or at Risk of HIV Infection

BACKGROUND

Proteinuria has been associated with bone loss and fractures in general population, but data in HIV-infected population are lacking.

SETTING

Prospective, multicenter cohort study of men with or at risk of HIV infection.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2015, urine protein measurements and bone fracture histories were ascertained semiannually in 947 HIV-infected (HIV+) and 969 HIV-uninfected (HIV-) men aged 40 years or older. Proteinuria was defined as protein-to-creatinine ratio ≥200 mg/g at ≥2 consecutive visits. Outcome measures (1) all fractures (excluding fractures of skull, face, and digits) and (2) fragility fractures (fractures of vertebral column, femur, wrist, and humerus). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models assessed the association between proteinuria and fracture after adjusting for additional risk factors.

RESULTS

The overall period prevalence of proteinuria was higher among HIV+ than HIV- (29% vs 6%, P < 0.001). Men with proteinuria had a significantly higher risk of fragility fracture compared with men without proteinuria [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 2.29 (1.12-4.66)] and did not differ by HIV serostatus (p-interaction = 0.83). The risk of all fractures was not statistically different between men with or without proteinuria [aHR = 1.31 (0.84-2.05)]. Among HIV+ men, the association between confirmed proteinuria and fragility fracture was attenuated [aHR = 2.12 (0.95-4.73)] after additional adjustment for CD4 T-cell count/mm, history of AIDS, the presence of detectable plasma HIV-1 RNA, and cumulative exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

CONCLUSIONS

Proteinuria was more common in HIV+ than in HIV- men and was a strong independent risk factor for fragility fracture regardless of HIV serostatus. Proteinuria should prompt consideration of a thorough evaluation for bone disease among HIV+ persons.

Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of bone fragility in people living with HIV: a position statement from the Swiss Association against Osteoporosis

Life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) is reaching similar length as in the general population. Accordingly, age-related comorbidities, including osteoporosis, are increasing. Fracture risk is higher and increases approximately 10 years earlier in PLWH. Classical risk factors of bone fragility are highly prevalent in PLWH but factors specific for HIV infection itself and the type of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (triple combination antiretroviral therapy) regimen (especially tenofovir and protease inhibitors) also contribute to bone loss. The majority of bone loss occurs during virus activity and at initiation of ART (immune reconstitution) and is associated with an increase of bone resorption (upregulation RANKL). Recent data indicate that calcium and vitamin D supplements as ART initiation lower BMD loss. The reduction of tenofovir plasma concentrations with tenofovir alafenamide attenuates BMD loss but it remains unknown whether it will contribute to reduce fracture risk. Hence, special considerations for the management of bone fragility in PLWH are warranted. Based on the current state of epidemiology and pathophysiology of osteoporosis in PLWH, we provide the consensus of the Swiss Association against Osteoporosis on best practice for diagnosis, prevention, and management of osteoporosis in this population. Periodic assessment of fracture risk is indicated in all HIV patients and general preventive measures should be implemented. All postmenopausal women, men above 50 years of age, and patients with other clinical risk for fragility fractures qualify for BMD measurement. An algorithm clarifies when treatment with bisphosphonates and review of ART regimen in favour of more bone-friendly options are indicated.

Albumin, white blood cell count, and body mass index improve discrimination of mortality in HIV-positive individuals

OBJECTIVE

Despite viral suppression and immune response on antiretroviral therapy, people with HIV infection experience excess mortality compared with uninfected individuals. The Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) Index incorporates clinical biomarkers of general health with age, CD4 cell count, and HIV-1 RNA to discriminate mortality risk in a variety of HIV-positive populations. We asked whether additional biomarkers further enhance discrimination.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Using patients from VACS for development and from the Antiretroviral Therapy Cohort Collaboration (ART-CC) for validation, we obtained laboratory values from a randomly selected visit from 2000 to 2014, at least 1 year after antiretroviral therapy initiation. Patients were followed for 5-year, all-cause mortality through September 2016. We fitted Cox models with established predictors and added new predictors based on model fit and Harrell's c-statistic. We converted all variables to continuous functional forms and selected the best model (VACS Index 2.0) for validation in ART-CC patients. We compared discrimination using c-statistics and Kaplan-Meier plots.

RESULTS

Among 28 390 VACS patients and 12 109 ART-CC patients, 7293 and 722 died, respectively. Nadir CD4, CD8, and CD4 : CD8 ratio did not improve discrimination. Addition of albumin, white blood count, and BMI, improved c-statistics in VACS from 0.776 to 0.805 and in ART-CC from 0.800 to 0.831. Results were robust in all nine ART-CC cohorts, all lengths of follow-up and all subgroups.

CONCLUSION

VACS Index 2.0, adding albumin, white blood count, and BMI to version 1.0 and using continuous variables, provides improved discrimination and is highly transportable to external settings.

Improved fracture prediction using different fracture risk assessment tool adjustments in HIV-infected women

OBJECTIVES

A fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) using clinical risk factors (CRFs) alone underestimates fracture risk in HIV-infected men. Our objective was to determine whether accuracy of FRAX would be improved by considering HIV as a cause of secondary osteoporosis, and further improved with addition of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry parameters in HIV-infected women.

DESIGN

Subgroup analysis of Women's Interagency HIV Study.

METHODS

We included 1148 women (900 HIV-infected and 248 uninfected) over age 40 with data to approximate FRAX CRFs and 10-year observational data for incident fragility fractures; 181 (20%) HIV-infected women had dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry data. Accuracy of FRAX was evaluated by the observed/estimated ratios of fracture in four models: CRFs alone; CRFs with HIV included as a cause of secondary osteoporosis; CRFs and femoral neck bone mineral density (FN BMD); and CRFs, FN BMD and trabecular bone score.

RESULTS

FRAX using CRFs were less accurate in HIV-infected than uninfected women for major osteoporotic (observed/estimated ratio: 5.05 vs. 3.26, P < 0.001) and hip fractures (observed/estimated ratio: 19.78 vs. 7.94, P < 0.001), but improved when HIV was included as a cause of secondary osteoporosis. Among HIV-infected women, FRAX accuracy improved further with addition of FN BMD (observed/estimated ratio: 4.00) for hip fractures, but no further with trabecular bone score.

CONCLUSION

FRAX using CRFs alone underestimated fracture risk more in older HIV-infected women than otherwise similar uninfected women. Accuracy is improved when including HIV as a cause of secondary osteoporosis for both major osteoporotic and hip fractures, whereas addition of FN BMD only improved accuracy for hip fracture.

The Hidden Burden of Fractures in People Living With HIV

The survival of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has increased markedly since the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, other morbidities have emerged, including osteoporosis. The estimated incidence of fractures at any site in people living with HIV ranges from 0.1 per 1000 person‐years to 8.4 per 1000 person‐years: at least twice that of people without HIV. This increased risk seems to be related to HIV itself and its treatment. Risk factors for bone disease in HIV‐positive (HIV⁺) subjects include both classical risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture and factors linked to HIV itself, such as inflammation, reconstitution syndrome, low CD4, ART, and co‐infection with hepatitis B and C viruses. The risk of fractures in these individuals can be at least partially assessed by measurement of BMD and the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX™). Only alendronate and zoledronic acid have been studied in HIV⁺ individuals; both show beneficial effects on BMD, although data on fracture reduction are not available. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Increased prevalence of asymptomatic vertebral fractures in HIV-infected patients over 50 years of age

The prevalence of asymptomatic vertebral fracture in HIV-infected patients over 50 was 20%, associated with older age, male sex, longer time since HIV diagnosis, and tubular renal alterations. Vertebral fractures were independent of osteoporosis at lumbar spine, and were not predicted by the use of the FRAX equation.

PURPOSE

Vertebral fractures (VF) are the hallmark of osteoporotic fractures. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic VF and associated factors in HIV-infected patients over 50 years, and the role of FRAX equation.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, a diagnosis of VF was established by the semiquantitative method of Genant in thoracic and lumbar radiographs. Simultaneously, a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bone and kidney-related analytical, calcium intake, physical exercise, HIV-related factors, and FRAX estimation were evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall, 128 patients (35 women, 27%) were included. Mean age was 57 years. Hypophosphatemia and tubular renal dysfunction were observed in 13 and 21%. DXA scan showed osteopenia and osteoporosis at hip in 65 and 7% of patients, and in spine in 39 and 34%, respectively. VF were observed in 26 patients (20%), with a trend to be associated with lower serum phosphate, increased alkaline phosphatase, and with lower daily calcium intake. In a multivariate analysis, older age (OR 1.2 per year; 14% of VF at 50-55; 44% at 65-70), male sex (26 vs 6%), longer time since HIV diagnosis, and renal and tubular dysfunction were the associated factors. VF were not related with osteoporosis at lumbar spine, and could not be predicted by the FRAX equation.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of asymptomatic vertebral fractures is high in HIV-infected patients older than 50 years, and is not identified by the presence of osteoporosis in spine neither predicted by the FRAX equation. Spine and lumbar X-rays should be routinely performed in this aging population.

Cost-effective osteoporosis treatment thresholds for people living with HIV infection in Greece

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to specifically define the FRAX-based cost-effective treatment thresholds for osteoporosis among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Greece and to compare them with those of the general population.

METHODS

A previously described state transition Markov cohort model was used in order to estimate the cost-effective intervention thresholds for osteoporotic therapy among Greek PLWHIV employing the FRAX® tool. The model-derived relative risk at which an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 30,000€/QALY gained was observed for treatment versus no intervention was multiplied by the average Greek FRAX-based 10-year probabilities for both major osteoporotic and hip fractures.

RESULTS

There exists no significant difference in the cost-effective FRAX® based thresholds between PLWHIV and general population. The absolute 10-year probabilities of 2.5 and 10% for hip and major osteoporotic fractures, respectively, could be used for the initiation of treatment for PLWHIV of both genders under the age of 75; for older subjects the proposed intervention threshold is raised to 5 and 15% 10-year probability for hip and major osteoporotic fracture, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms the general recommendation for the use of country specific FRAX® thresholds when managing bone fragility within PLWHIV. In any case, clinical judgment and appropriate screening are mandatory and irreplaceable.

Protecting bone in long-term HIV positive patients receiving antiretrovirals

INTRODUCTION

As the population of people living with HIV ages, the increase in non-AIDs morbidities is expected to increase in parallel. Maintaining bone health in those with HIV will be an important area of focus for the HIV clinician to prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with fragility fractures, the principal clinical sequela of low bone mineral density (BMD). Rates of fractures and prevalence of low bone mineral density, a risk factor for future fragility fractures, are already increased in the HIV positive population.

AREAS COVERED

This review examines the strategies to maintain bone health in those living with HIV from screening through to managing those with established low BMD or fracture, including the role for choice of or modification of antiretroviral therapy to maintain bone health. Expert commentary: The increasing complexity of managing bone health in the age of succesful antiretroviral therapy and an aging patient population as well as future perspectives which may help achieve the long term aim of minimising the impact of low BMD in those with HIV are discussed and explored.

An increased rate of fracture occurs a decade earlier in HIV+ compared with HIV- men

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of fracture among aging HIV-infected (HIV+) and uninfected men (HIV-). To evaluate factors independently associated with fracture risk.

DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter cohort study of men with or at risk for HIV.

METHODS

Outcome measures: all fractures (excluding skull, face and digits) and fragility fractures (vertebral column, femur, wrist and humerus) were collected semiannually in 1221 HIV+ and 1408 HIV- men aged at least 40. Adjusted incident rate ratios (aIRR) with an interaction term for age (40-49, 50-59 and ≥60 years) and HIV serostatus were estimated with Poisson regression models accounting for additional risk factors.

RESULTS

Fracture incidence increased with age among both HIV+ and HIV- men. Although there was no significant difference in fracture incidence by HIV serostatus among men aged 40-49 years, the HIV+ men aged 50-59 years had a significantly higher incidence of all fractures [aIRR: 2.06 (1.49, 2.84)] and fragility fractures [aIRR: 2.06 (1.21, 3.50)] compared with HIV- participants of similar age. HIV modified the effect of age on all fractures (P = 0.002) but did not significantly modify the effect for fragility fractures (P = 0.135). Hypertension increased the rate of all fractures by 32% after adjustment for covariates [aIRR: 1.32 (1.04, 1.69)].

CONCLUSION

Fracture incidence increased with age among HIV+ and HIV- men but was higher among HIV+ men. A significant increase in fracture incidence was found among 50-59-year-old HIV+ men, highlighting the importance of osteoporosis screening for HIV-infected men above the age of 50.

Bone Loss in HIV Infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is an established risk factor for low bone mineral density (BMD) and subsequent fracture, and treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) leads to additional BMD loss, particularly in the first 1-2 years of therapy. The prevalence of low BMD and fragility fracture is expected to increase as the HIV-infected population ages with successful treatment with cART. Mechanisms of bone loss in the setting of HIV infection are likely multifactorial, and include viral, host, and immune effects, as well as direct and indirect effects of cART, particularly tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and the protease inhibitors (PIs). Emerging data indicate that BMD loss following cART initiation can be mitigated by prophylaxis with either long-acting bisphosphonates or vitamin D and calcium supplementation. In addition, newer antiretrovirals, particularly the integrase strand transfer inhibitors and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), are associated with less intense bone loss than PIs and TDF. However, further studies are needed to establish optimal bone sparing cART regimens, appropriate screening intervals, and preventive measures to address the rising prevalence of fragility bone disease in the HIV population.

Bone health in HIV and hepatitis B or C infections

Chronic infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) add to age-dependent bone loss and may contribute to lower bone strength in the elderly. In this review, we report recent highlights on the epidemiology of bone fragility in chronic viral infections with HIV, HCV and HBV, its physiopathology and discuss the interference of antiviral therapies with bone metabolism. Chronic infections influence bone through the interactions between risk factors for bone fragility and falls (which are highly prevalent in infected patients), virus activity and antiviral drugs. HIV-infected patients are at increased risk of fracture and the risk is higher in cases of co-infection with HIV and untreated chronic viral hepatitis. In HIV patients, the majority of bone loss occurs during virus activity and at initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, long-term elderly HIV-infected patients on successful ART display bone microstructure alterations only partially captured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bone loss is associated with an increase of bone resorption, reflecting the upregulation of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathways via a crosstalk between virus activity, inflammation and the immune system. The use of some antiviral drugs, such as tenofovir (controlling both HBV and HIV infections) or protease inhibitors, may be associated with higher bone toxicity. The reduction of tenofovir plasma concentrations with the implementation of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) attenuates bone mineral density (BMD) loss but it remains unknown whether it will contribute to reducing fracture risk in long-term HIV-treated patients. Moreover, to what extent the new direct-acting agents for treatment of HCV, including nucleotide inhibitors and protease inhibitors, may affect bone health similarly as ART in HIV should be investigated.

Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women living with HIV

The widespread availability of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV from a life-limiting condition to one with near-normal life expectancy. HIV is associated with an increased risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis, with people living with HIV (PLHIV) potentially experiencing these conditions at a younger age than their HIV-negative counterparts. The mechanisms driving bone disease in HIV are complex and include: an increased prevalence of traditional risk factors; other comorbid conditions; and HIV-associated factors such as viral effects, systemic inflammation, and ART-related factors. One-third of PLHIV in the United Kingdom are female, and increasing numbers of women living with HIV (WLHIV) are reaching menopausal age. Oestrogen decline in the context of an elevated background risk of poor bone health results in WLHIV being at greater risk of osteoporosis than women without HIV. European HIV guidelines therefore recommend routine screening of postmenopausal WLHIV using FRAX^© for clinical risk factors, with or without bone mineral density scanning. Data support the use of calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and bisphosphonates in the treatment of osteoporosis in PLHIV. Additionally, some patients with confirmed osteoporosis may benefit from a switch to an ART agent with a better bone safety profile. However, there remains a notable paucity of data on HIV and menopause, including the impact of hormone replacement therapy on the bone health of WLHIV. In conclusion, it is important that clinicians are aware that postmenopausal WLHIV are a group at particular risk of bone disease, who require proactive screening and advice about preventative measures.