More bone scans needed for older people living with HIV, study suggests

The pathway recommended for assessing the risk of major fracture in people living with HIV by the British HIV Association (BHIVA) may be inadequate, according to a new study from the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital in London.

People living with HIV are at greater risk of osteoporosis than their HIV-negative counterparts. Osteoporosis is the process in which bones lose density over time and are at increased risk of breaking (a fracture). HIV itself, certain HIV medications and risk factors that are more prevalent in people living with HIV are all thought to contribute to a higher risk of osteoporosis. Whilst a fracture to the forearm may be easily managed with little impact on everyday routine, a fracture of the hip or spine can be life changing. Current BHIVA guidelines suggest that all people living with HIV over fifty years of age are assessed using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) to determine their risk of having a major fracture in the next ten years.

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