01 Set Bone status evaluation by QUS in patients perinatally infected with HIV-1. A longitudinal study from childhood to early adult age

Filippo Del Puente

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the role of HIV infection on bone status through a longitudinal observational study based on a cohort of HIV-1 vertically infected patients followed from childhood to adulthood.

Methods
We enrolled all patients with vertical HIV-1 infection who attended our hospital. Every patient was taking cART throughout the observation period. QUS variables AD-SoS and BTT were used to assess bone status. RANKL and OPG measurements were performed. Height, weight, BMI, pubertal stages and bone age were also determined. A total of forty-seven patients were studied (23 males).

Results
Patients with at least one virological failure resulted with lower mean ADSoS and BTT Z-scores than in patient with sustained viral load suppression. ADSoS, but not BTT mean values, were significantly lower in subjects with absolute CD4 lymphocyte count persistently 500 cells/ml. RANKL/OPG ratio, AD-SoS SDS and BTT SDS weren’t related.

Conclusions
This longitudinal study provided the opportunity to evaluate bone status in a cohort of patients treated for HIV infection since their birth. Resulted suggest that optimal virological control is a key factor in order to maintain bone health and quality. Further studies are needed in particular to evaluate the role of HIV-induced inflammation on bone tissue.