HIV and Bone Disease

HIV and Bone Disease Project leader: Prof Jennifer Hoy Phone: +61 3 9076 6900 Email: Jennifer.Hoy@monash.edu

Overview

HIV-infected persons have lower bone mineral density (BMD) and more fractures than the general population of similar age.  Both HIV-infection and antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV contribute to BMD loss, along with traditional risk factors; the relative contributions of HIV and ART are unknown.  

Current collaborative studies underway include:

• The effect of HIV alone and introduction of ART is being evaluated in 400 patients in the START study (START BMD substudy). Recruitment is complete worldwide, and follow-up continues.

• It is known that all ART drugs can increase BMD loss in HIV patients, but tenofovir appears to have a significantly greater effect. In patients with low BMD, it is unknown whether switching the tenofovir for another ART drug or treatment with a bisphosphonate is the more effective and safe option. A randomised trial is underway to determine this.

Information for Students: Research Opportunities

Opportunities exist within our group to pursue BMedSc, Honours and PhD projects.

Please see below for project and contact details, or download the Department of Infectious Diseases Research Project Handout.

Research Project: HIV and Bone Disease

Contact person: Prof Jennifer Hoy

Phone: +61 3 9076 6900

Email: Jennifer.Hoy@monash.edu

All other student inquiries:
Please contact Jasminka Sterjovski (Research Manager and Student Co-ordinator)

Email: jasminka.sterjovski@monash.edu.au

Collaborators:

Prof Andrew Carr – Head, HIV/Immunology/Infectious Diseases Unit, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney

Prof Peter Ebeling – Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Western Health, Melbourne

Other links:

Alfred Staff profile: http://www.alfredhealth.org.au/id/staff#3