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Do some antiretroviral regimens reduce bone-mineral density (BMD) more than others? A planned analysis in the ASSERT trial provides insight into the mechanisms and potential contributions of specific drugs.
A total of 392 treatment-naive patients were randomized to receive open-label abacavir/3TC or tenofovir/FTC, each with efavirenz. BMD was assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans at baseline and at weeks 24 and 48. The trial was sponsored by the maker of abacavir/3TC. The virologic results, favoring tenofovir, have already been published (J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2010; 55:49).
BMD declined significantly in both treatment groups from baseline to week 48, but the change was significantly greater with tenofovir/FTC than wi…