Fact Sheet

HIV-Associated Rheumatic Disease Syndromes

WHAT ARE HIV-ASSOCIATED RHEUMATIC DISEASE SYNDROMES?

HIV-associated rheumatic disease syndromes are a group of inflammatory musculoskeletal complications seen during the course of infection of the virus that causes AIDS. Painful joints are usually the first and most common symptom. Other rheumatic disorders - such as Reiter’s syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, polymyositis, vasculitis and fibromyalgia - can also occur.

CAUSE

The cause of HIV-associated rheumatic disease syndromes is not clearly defined. Available evidence suggests several direct and indirect causes from HIV infection.

HEALTH IMPACT

• HIV infection afflicts about one million people in the United States.
• 30%-70% of HIV-infected individuals may develop a rheumatic disease syndrome.
• The presence of a rheumatic disorder worsens the prognosis of HIV infection.