HIV-associated arthritis

Etiology: 1) rheumatic disorders that abate with onset of AIDS - rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 2) rheumatic disorders described as a manifestation of HIV - Reiter's syndrome - psoriatic arthritis 3) secondary septic arthritis in HIV+ hosts - bacterial, fungal & mycobacterial infections - associated with CD4 counts < 200/mm3 or IV drug abuse Clinical manifestations: 1) arthritis & myalgias are common manifestations of early disseminated HIV 2) viral arthritis due to HIV a) intense joint pain b) mild joint swelling Laboratory: 1) joint fluid leukocytes are minimally elevated 2) HIV can be identified in the joint fluid Management: - septic arthritis in AIDS patients generally requires therapy for life

General

infectious arthritis (septic arthritis) complications in patients with HIV1 infection

References

Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998