Looking Bone Deep

Bone loss is a worry for all HIVers, since some antiretroviral meds have been shown to decrease bone mineral density. But a study in the April 27 edition of the journal AIDS warns that protease inhibitors are particularly problematic for bones. Protease inhibitors were linked with much greater drops in bone mineral density -- a drop similar to that seen in women after menopause -- than were nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The researchers say their findings highlight the importance for HIVers and their caretakers to routinely screen bone mineral levels to identify losses and begin replacement therapy as soon as possible.