Anti-retroviral therapy has led to a significant decline in mortality of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). According to latest HIV treatment guidelines, antiretroviral treatment (ART) should be initiated at the time of diagnosis. A recent study has revealed that early ART can cause more significant bone loss compared with deferring ART.

This study followed 399 participants (195 received immediate ART and 204 deferred ART) for an average of 2.2 years.

The study determined an adverse effect on bone density in patients on immediate ART. But the overall benefits of ART for preventing HIV transmission and adverse health outcomes outweigh this adverse effect.

It is essential to study the long-term results of the association of reduced bone mineral density and ART. To understand whether these reductions continue or stabilize with more prolonged therapy.

Prof. Jennifer Hoy, lead author of the study said "What we found was that starting therapy is also correlated with accelerated bone loss of about 2-4%, and the rate of decline then seems to slow after the first 2 years of treatment, compared with HIV positive people who deferred therapy,".

"We have no remedy for HIV, so antiretroviral therapy is for life. An increased rate of bone loss may become essential years later, in the setting of increased risk of fragility fracture.'