Autoimmune and rheumatic manifestations and antinuclear antibody study in HIV-infected Thai patients.
BACKGROUND
There have been reports concerning an association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine autoimmune and rheumatic manifestations in HIV-infected patients and their correlation with antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests.


METHODS
The clinical and laboratory results of HIV-infected patients attending the Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, from February 1999 to January 2000, were analyzed. Laboratory studies included serum CD4 lymphocyte count and ANA tests.


RESULTS
Sixty-two patients were enrolled prospectively in the study. Myalgia was the most common clinical presentation (50%). Others included photosensitivity (on history) (39%), arthralgia (26%), vasculitis (18%), sicca complex (10%), arthritis (7%), and Reiter's syndrome (2%). A history of hair loss was given by 23% of patients. A positive ANA test was detected in 3%. No cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, or dermatomyositis were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
Autoimmune and rheumatic manifestations were not uncommonly detected in patients with HIV infection. HIV infection may sometimes mimic systemic lupus erythematosus clinically.
Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Prannok Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand. sikkt@mahidol.ac.th
Kanokvalai
K
Kulthanan
Sukhum
S
Jiamton
Viboon
V
Omcharoen
Rumpa
R
Linpiyawan
Jaratsak
J
Ruangpeerakul
Apichati
A
Sivayathorn
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013785:Thailand
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear