Rheumatic manifestations in populations at risk for HIV infection: the added effect of HIV
Berman, A.; Reboredo, G.; Spindler, A.; Lasala, M.E.; Lopez, H.; Espinoza, L.R.
Journal of Rheumatology 18(10): 1564-1567
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-162X PMID: 1765982 Document Number: 383622
We assessed the frequency and variability of rheumatologic manifestations in 2 populations with similar risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, of which only one was affected. We studied 2 populations at risk for HIV infection (homosexual and intravenous drug users). Group A: 89 individuals carried the virus; and Group B: 80 individuals were HIV negative. In Group A (HIV +) 66.1% had rheumatic manifestations including arthralgias, Reiter's syndrome, arthritis, enthesitis, psoriatic arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, myopathy, septic arthritis, and lupus-like illness. In contrast, in Group B (HIV-) only 2 had arthralgias, 2 Reiter's syndrome, and 1 rheumatoid arthritis. In summary, rheumatic complaints are common in patients with HIV, and HIV positivity confers an increased susceptibility in populations with similar risk factors for HIV infection.