Related Experiment Videos
Inflammatory joint disease and human immunodeficiency virus infection
S M Forster1, M H Seifert, A C Keat
1St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London.
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|June 11, 1988
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can cause severe, persistent arthritis mimicking reactive arthritis. Consider HIV testing in patients with unexplained arthritis, as it may indicate underlying immunodeficiency.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Peripheral, non-erosive arthritis can present atypically in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Reactive arthritis is typically associated with specific infections, but HIV-associated arthritis may present differently.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical features and outcomes of arthritis in men with HIV.
- To evaluate the association between HIV infection and arthritis presentation.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up of nine men with HIV and peripheral, non-erosive arthritis.
- Clinical assessment, HLA typing, and synovial fluid analysis for HIV isolation.
Main Results:
- Arthritis symptoms were severe, persistent, and unresponsive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Four patients progressed to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) within 7.5 months; two died.
- HIV was isolated from synovial fluid in one patient; HLA-B27 was positive in three.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection should be considered in patients presenting with reactive arthritis-like symptoms.
- Severe synovitis in immunocompromised patients has significant pathogenetic implications.
- Atypical arthritis may be an early manifestation of HIV infection.