More Evidence that Tenofovir Leads to Bone Loss

HIV-infected patients on combination antiretroviral therapy tend to experience decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) with extended time on treatment, likely due in part to the antiretrovirals themselves. Tenofovir in particular has been associated with decreases in BMD in some studies (JW AIDS Clin Care Jun 20 2011 and Oct 18 2010).

In this open-label trial (sponsored by the maker of abacavir), 40 patients with virologic suppression on an AZT/3TC-based regimen were randomized to switch to either an abacavir/3TC- or tenofovir/FTC-based regimen. Renal function, markers of bone metabolism, and bone density (measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry [DXA] scan) were assessed repeatedly during 48 weeks of follow-up, although only 27 patients…