Long-term impact of Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation on Bone Density in HIV+ Patients with documented deficiencies.

To assess the efficacy of long-term calcium and vitamin D treatment on bone mineral density (BMD) in HIV+ patients on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). A retrospective, single-center cohort study. Between March 2010 and July 2012, 268 HIV+ patients were screened for vitamin D and calcium deficiency. Those with proven vitamin D or calcium deficiency received supplementation according to a predefined protocol, and were offered further evaluation of BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Calcium and vitamin D status and BMD were assessed at baseline (T-0) and approximately one (T-1) and 4-6 years (T-2) later. Percentual change in BMD of the lumbar spine and hip was compared with reported rates of change in HIV+ patients on cART without standard calcium and vitamin D treatment. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and calcium deficiency was 46% and 43%, respectively. Thirteen percent of patients had secondary hyperparathyroidism at baseline. DEXA performed in patients with a deficiency revealed osteopenia in 40% and osteoporosis in 8% of patients. The expected long-term change in lumbar spine and hip BMDs at T-2 was -0.7%, -1.5%, and -1.5%, respectively. The measured changes were +2.3%, -0.6%, and -0.6%, respectively. The difference between measured and expected rate of change was significant for the lumbar spine (3.0%, p < .05), but not for the hip. Long-term vitamin D and calcium supplementation improves lumbar spine BMD of HIV+ patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis and with proven calcium and/or vitamin D deficiencies. Screening and treatment are recommended to become part of regular care.