Effects of vitamin D deficiency and combination antiretroviral therapy on bone in HIV-positive patients

Abstract

Objectives: In the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), vitamin D deficiency, low bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures have emerged as subjects of concern in HIV-positive patients. Testing for vitamin D deficiency has been widely adopted in clinical practice even though the benefits of vitamin D supplementation in this population remain uncertain. The objective of this review was to evaluate the evidence for such a strategy.

Design: Systematic review of the literature on vitamin D deficiency in HIV infection, the effects of cART on vitamin D status, and the effects of vitamin D deficiency and cART on parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone turnover, BMD and the incidence of fractures in HIV-positive patients.

Methods: PubMed was used to identify relevant articles up to September 2011.

Results: Vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism and low BMD are common in HIV-positive patients. Efavirenz is associated with a reduction in 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels, tenofovir with secondary hyperparathyroidism, and cART with increased bone turnover and low BMD. The clinical significance of low BMD, however, remains unclear, especially in younger patients. Although the incidence of fractures may be increased in HIV-positive patients, the contribution of low BMD and vitamin D deficiency to these fractures is uncertain. Limited data on vitamin D supplementation in HIV-positive patients have shown transient, beneficial effects on PTH, but no effects on BMD.

Conclusion: The benefits of vitamin D supplementation in this population need to be demonstrated before widespread 'test and treat' policies can be recommended as part of routine clinical practice.