SUMMARY
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this study was to quantify the reduction of bone mineral density with and without height adjustment.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was performed with 69 Brazilian children and adolescents vertically infected by HIV. Bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy absorptiometry in the lumbar spine. Anthropometric, demographic, and clinical variables were analyzed. A specific calculator was used for height adjustment.
RESULTS:
The majority of participants (52.2%) were adolescents and did not present with immunological alterations (61%). Reduced bone mineral density (Z-score <-1) was present in 23.2% and low bone mass (Z-score <-2) in 5.8%. After height adjustment, these occurrences decreased to 11.6% and 0%, respectively. Patients with reduced bone mineral density had a higher mean age and lower body mass index than patients with normal bone mineral density.
CONCLUSION:
The occurrence of reduced bone mineral density decreased after adjustment for height.
KEYWORDS:
Bone mineral density; HIV; Child; Adolescent; Osteoporosis