Vasculitis in HIV: report of eight cases.
OBJECTIVE
To describe vasculitis in HIV patients, their CD4 levels, anatomical sites affected and clinical patterns.


METHODS
Prospective, descriptive study.


METHODS
Kisumu District Hospital and Nairobi Rheumatology Clinic between January 2002 and May 2005.


METHODS
Eight patients with HIV and vasculitis.


RESULTS
Eight patients (four males and four females) were recruited with an age range of 24-61 years, mean 33.13 years. Five had central nervous system vasculitis and three had peripheral vasculitis. The CD4 counts were low, range 2-200 cells/mm3 (mean of 79.25 cells/mm3), normal levels of CD4 are 355-1298 cells/mm3, indicating severe immunosuppression. Two patients tested positive for HBV (hepatitis B virus).


CONCLUSIONS
HIV associated vasculitis is recognised and may be complicated by coinfection with hepatitis viruses. It occurs at low CD4 counts. Central nervous system involvement is a common site. Management is multidisciplinary.
Otedo
A E O
AE
Kisumu District Hospital, P.O. Box 4685-Code 40103, Kisumu, Kenya.
Oyoo
G O
GO
Obondi
J O
JO
Otieno
C F
CF
D000328:Adult; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006767:Hospitals, District; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000453:epidemiology*