Syphilitic hepatitis among HIV-infected patients.
Syphilis is an important public health issue and continues to occur at high rates among HIV-infected patients. Although abnormal liver function tests are common among HIV-infected persons, the incidence of syphilitic hepatitis in this population is currently unknown. We present two cases of syphilitic hepatitis and performed a retrospective study to determine the incidence of hepatitis during early syphilis infections among HIV-infected persons. Our study showed that syphilitic hepatitis is common, occurring in 38% (12/32) of HIV-positive patients with early stages of syphilis infection. Most cases occurred during secondary syphilis, with the most common finding being a maculopapular rash. Syphilis should be included in the differential diagnosis of HIV patients presenting with liver test abnormalities, rash and/or sexual risk factors.
Crum-Cianflone
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N
HIV Clinic, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA. nancy.crum@med.navy.mil
Weekes
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J
Bavaro
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M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013587:Syphilis / Q000150:complications*; D055815:Young Adult