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"Bone
density only looks at one aspect of bone but it is highly correlated to
bone strength. "
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Risk factors for osteoporosis
include being underweight or having low lean body mass, not achieving peak
bone mass density (BMD), or having an accelerated rate of bone loss. Lifestyle
risk factors for osteoporosis include low physical activity, especially
a lack of weight bearing exercise, inadequate calcium and/or low vitamin
D intake, inadequate or excessive protein intake, heavy alcohol use, and
smoking. Being female, having amenorrhea, male/female hypogonadism, or
using corticosteroids or anticonvulsants are risk factors as well. Diseases
such as celiac disease, diabetes, irritable bowel disease, liver or kidney
disease, and malabsorption can also play a role in bone loss. The role
of HIV disease and/or antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the development of
low bone density has not yet been clearly defined, although several studies
have shown a high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in HIV-positive
persons.
Bone density is assessed
by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), which looks at the femoral
neck and lumbar spine (Figure 1). Bone density only
looks at one aspect of bone but it is highly correlated to bone strength.
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