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VASCULITIS IN HIV: REPORT OF EIGHT CASES
Abstract
Objective: To describe vasculitis in HIV patients, their CD4 levels, anatomical sites affected and clinical patterns.
Design: Prospective, descriptive study.
Setting: Kisumu District Hospital and Nairobi Rheumatology Clinic between January 2002 and May 2005.
Subjects: 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).
Conclusion: 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.
Design: Prospective, descriptive study.
Setting: Kisumu District Hospital and Nairobi Rheumatology Clinic between January 2002 and May 2005.
Subjects: 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).
Conclusion: 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.
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