Bone mineral content is lower in prepubertal HIV-infected children.
Total body bone mineral content (TBBMC) was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in a cross-sectional study of 51 prepubertal HIV-infected children and 262 healthy prepubertal children aged 4.2 to 14.7 years. The mean TBBMC +/- SD was lower in HIV-positive children than in HIV-negative controls (955 +/- 325 vs. 1,106 +/- 273 g, respectively; p =.0006). Reductions in TBBMC remained in the HIV-positive group after adjusting for age, sex, and race by analysis of covariance (p <.001). Differences in TBBMC between HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups persisted when height and weight were also accounted for in the analysis (p =.027). The magnitude of the difference in TBBMC between the groups increased with age. In the HIV-positive group, no associations were observed between TBBMC and use of a protease inhibitor, duration of treatment with antiretroviral medications, viral load, or CD4 cell count. TBBMC is decreased in HIV-infected children. As a result of compromised bone mineral accrual, HIV-infected children may be at increased risk for osteoporosis and related complications.
Arpadi
Stephen M
SM
Comprehensive Care Center, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, 1111 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10025, U.S.A. smarpadi@pol.net
Horlick
Mary
M
Thornton
John
J
Cuff
Patricia A
PA
Wang
Jack
J
Kotler
Donald P
DP
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000375:Aging; D015519:Bone Density; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male