CTNPT 035: Vitamin D and NAFLD in people living with HIV

About The Study

This study aims to determine vitamin D deficiency and its association with osteoporosis in persons living with HIV who do or do not have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Background

NAFLD has become the most frequent disease in persons aging with HIV in Canada. It is a very common disorder and refers to a group of conditions where there is accumulation of excess fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. Despite the prevalence of NAFLD, relatively little is known about the mechanism of liver disease development and its progression. As such, it is essential to target new interventions to understand the association between NAFLD and HIV morbidities. Among them is vitamin D deficiency, which is frequent in patients with HIV, with or without NAFLD, and appears to be an independent risk factor for end-stage liver disease.

Study Approach

This study will recruit 126 participants who are over 18 years old. Each participant will be required to attend a single, 2-hour long visit at the Royal Victoria Hospital. During the study visit, the participant will be asked to complete questionnaires and undergo a physical examination, collection of blood tests, bone densitometry (DEXA), and FibroScan®.