A skin disease and needs assessment analysis of the displaced Rohingya population in the Kutupalong refugee camp, Bangladesh

The physical, psychological and financial burden of skin disease in low- to middle-income countries, where access to skincare is limited, is poorly understood. A group that we know very little about in this regard are refugees. There are limited data on the range of skin diseases and skincare needs of this group. To better understand the skincare needs of the displaced Rohingya population residing in the Kutupalong refugee camp, Bangladesh, we collected data on demographics, living conditions and range of dermatoses. In the 380 patients assessed, fungal skin infections, predominantly dermatophytes, were by far the most common skin disease seen (n = 215), followed by dermatitis (n = 81). Skin disease can be the presenting feature in many systemic conditions and may cause significant secondary complications itself. Developing a better understanding of the skincare needs of the refugee population is essential for future healthcare planning for this vulnerable group.

Prevalence, Clinical Features and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Group A Streptococcal Skin Infections in School Children in Urban Western and Northern Uganda

BACKGROUND

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) skin infections can lead to invasive sepsis, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, and potentially rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Within a study to identify predisposing factors of RHD in Ugandan schoolchildren, we determined the prevalence of skin infections and assessed the clinical features and antibiotic susceptibility of GAS skin infection.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study conducted at 3 urban primary schools in Western and Northern Uganda in March 2017. A dermatologist rendered clinical diagnoses and obtained a skin swab specimen from lesions with signs of bacterial infection. Beta-hemolytic colonies underwent Lancefield grouping, species identification by polymerase chain reaction and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

RESULTS

From 3265 schoolchildren, we observed 32% with ≥1 fungal, 1.8% with ≥1 bacterial, 0.9% with ≥1 viral, and 0.2% with ≥1 ectoparasitic infection. Of 79, 25 (32%) specimens were GAS-positive, of which one-third demonstrated tetracycline resistance. Of 17 impetigo cases, 13 (76%) were located on the leg/foot and 3 (18%) on the head/neck. Prevalence of GAS skin infection was 0.8% (25 of 3265). In Northern Uganda, where subclinical definite RHD prevalence is 1.1%, GAS skin infection prevalence was 1.2% (4 of 343) and 0.9% (3 of 352).

CONCLUSION

This study identifies tetracycline-resistant GAS in Ugandan communities, suggests modified skin examination of exposed anatomic locations may be appropriate for population-based GAS skin infection studies, and underscores need for clear case definitions of GAS skin infection. Future studies are needed to evaluate the role of GAS skin infection in development of RHD in Ugandan communities.

Skin-Related Quality of Life in HIV-Infected Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Background:

The overall health status and survival of HIV-infected patients has changed with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). With this improved survival, there is a greater urgency to study quality-of-life issues.

Objective:

Our objectives were to measure skin-related quality of life in a cohort of HIV-infected patients and to determine whether the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with improved skin-related quality of life.

Methods:

We assembled a retrospective cohort of patients who were seen in our HIV-Dermatology Clinic at San Francisco General Hospital in June, July, or August of 1996. Eligible subjects were contacted by mail and asked (1) to complete a questionnaire (Skindex) and (2) to have a skin exam. Information on medication use and laboratory parameters was also collected.

Results:

Of 107 eligible patients, 76 (71%) responded to the questionnaire; 60 patients were examined. Many patients had multiple skin conditions. For most diagnoses (except warts and onychomycosis), there were no consistent differences in Skindex scores of HIV-infected patients compared with scores of patients not known to be infected with HIV. Patients on HAART for longer duration had significantly lower Skindex scores (improved skin-related quality of life) compared with those on HAART for a shorter duration.

Conclusion:

HAART is associated with improved quality of life with regard to HIV-associated skin diseases.

Antécédents:

L'état de santé général et le taux de survie des patients inféctés par le VIH ont changé grâce à l'avènement de traitements antirétroviraux hautement actifs (HAART). Cette amélioration du taux de survie implique un besoin urgent d'étudier les questions relatives à la qualité de vie.

Objectifs:

Mesurer la qualité de vie sur le plan dermatologique d'une cohorte de patients infectés par le VIH et déterminer si le recours à un traitement antirétroviral hautement actif est associé à une amélioration de la qualité de vie sur le plan dermatologique.

Méthodes:

Nous avons rassemblé une cohorte rétrospective de patients qui étaient suivis dans notre clinique de dérmatologie-VIH au San Francisco General Hospital, en juin, juillet ou aoôt de 1996. Nous avons contacté par courrier les sujets admissibles et leur avons demandé (1) de remplir un questionnaire (Skindex) et (2) de se soumettre à un examen dermatologique. Également, nous avons recueilli de l'information sur la consommation des médicaments et les paramètres de laboratoire.

Résultats:

Parmi les 107 patients admissibles, 76 (71%) ont retourné le questionnaire et 60 ont été examinés. Un grand nombre de patients présentaient multiples affections cutanées. Dans la plupart des diagnostics (sauf pour les verrues et les onychomycoses), les différences sont minimes entre les résultats du Skindex des patients infectés par le VIH et ceux des patients qui ne le seraient pas. Les patients qui ont suivi le traitement HAART pendant une plus longue durée accusent des résultats Skindex sensiblement inférieurs (meilleure qualité de vie sur le plan dermatologique) à ceux des patients ayant suivi un traitement HAART pendant une plus courte durée.

Conclusion:

Le traitement HAART est associé à une qualité de vie améliorée en ce qui concerne les maladies dermatologiques liées du VIH.

Diffuse HIV-associated seborrheic dermatitis - a case series

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is reported to have distinct clinical and histologic presentations in patients with HIV infection. Here we present 20 cases to further define some of these unique characteristics. Common features include erythematous, scaly papules, and plaques involving areas beyond the typical seborrheic distribution; thick, greasy scale on the scalp; and an increased frequency of erythroderma. Histologically, there is widespread parakeratosis, spongiosis, and necrotic keratinocytes. Treatment is often difficult, requiring prolonged use of oral and topical antifungals and corticosteroids as well as antibiotics for bacterial superinfection. SD with these features represents a marker for HIV infection and can aid in early diagnosis.

Idiopathic Pyoderma Gangrenosum as a Novel Manifestation of the HIV Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome: A Report of Three Cases

The initiation of antiretroviral treatment for individuals with HIV may be accompanied by a paradoxical flare of underlying inflammatory diseases, the recurrence of dormant infections, or worsening of prior treated opportunistic infections, termed the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Cutaneous manifestations of IRIS are common. Pyoderma gangrenosum is a neutrophilic dermatosis postulated to reflect disrupted innate immune regulation causing altered neutrophil chemotaxis. It is uncommonly reported in association with HIV. In this case series, we present three cases of IRIS manifesting with pyoderma gangrenosum in individuals with HIV from India and the United States to raise awareness of this previously undescribed presentation and discuss the treatment challenges in the management of these patients.

Factors associated with pruritic papular eruption of human immunodeficiency virus infection in the antiretroviral therapy era

BACKGROUND

Pruritic papular eruption (PPE) of HIV is common in HIV-infected populations living in the tropics. Its aetiology has been attributed to insect bite reactions and it is reported to improve with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Its presence after at least 6 months of ART has been proposed as one of several markers of treatment failure.

OBJECTIVES

To determine factors associated with PPE in HIV-infected persons receiving ART.

METHODS

A case-control study nested within a 500-person cohort from a teaching hospital in Mbarara, Uganda. Forty-five cases and 90 controls were enrolled. Cases had received ART for ≥ 15 months and had an itchy papular rash for at least 1 month with microscopic correlation by skin biopsy. Each case was individually matched with two controls for age, sex and ART duration.

RESULTS

Twenty-five of 45 cases (56%) had microscopic findings consistent with PPE. At skin examination and biopsy (study enrolment), a similar proportion of PPE cases and matched controls had plasma HIV RNA < 400 copies mL(-1) (96% vs. 85%, P = 0·31). The odds of having PPE increased fourfold with every log increase in viral load at ART initiation (P = 0·02) but not at study enrolment. CD4 counts at ART initiation and study enrolment, and CD4 gains and CD8(+) T-cell activation measured 6 and 12 months after ART commencement were not associated with PPE. Study participants who reported daily insect bites had greater odds of being cases [odds ratio (OR) 8·3, P < 0·001] or PPE cases (OR 8·6, P = 0·01).

CONCLUSIONS

Pruritic papular eruption in HIV-infected persons receiving ART for ≥ 15 months was associated with greater HIV viraemia at ART commencement, independent of CD4 count. Skin biopsies are important to distinguish between PPE and other itchy papular eruptions.

Bacillary angiomatosis masquerading as Kaposi's sarcoma in East Africa

BACKGROUND

Bacillary angiomatosis (BA) is a rare manifestation of infection caused by Bartonella species, which leads to vasoproliferative lesions of skin and other organs. Bacillary angiomatosis affects individuals with advanced HIV disease or other immunocompromised individuals. In sub-Saharan Africa, despite the high prevalence of HIV infection and documentation of the causative Bartonella species in humans, mammalian hosts, and arthropod vectors, BA has only rarely been described.

METHODS

Three adult patients from Uganda and Kenya with deep purple dome-shaped papules or nodules of the skin underwent punch biopsies for histopathologic diagnosis. The biopsies of all 3 patients were sent to a local pathologist as well as to a dermatopathologist at the University of California, San Francisco.

RESULTS

All 3 patients were clinically suspected to have Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and local pathologists had interpreted the lesions as KS in 2 of the cases and nonspecific inflammation in the third. Histologic examination by dermatopathologists in the United States revealed nodular dermal proliferations of irregular capillaries lined by spindled to epithelioid endothelial cells. The surrounding stroma contained a mixed inflammatory infiltrate with lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Extracellular deposits of pale amphophilic granular material were noted in the surrounding stroma. A Warthin-Starry stain highlighted clumps of bacilli, confirming the diagnosis of BA.

CONCLUSIONS

These 3 cases, to our knowledge, are the first reports of BA in East Africa in the biomedical literature. Each had been originally incorrectly diagnosed as KS. We speculate BA is underdiagnosed and underreported in resource-poor regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, that have high endemic rates of HIV infection.

Dermatologic manifestations of HIV in Africa

Dermatologic disease is common in HIV-infected individuals, and clinicians caring for patients with HIV infection or AIDS in Africa are routinely confronted with skin problems in their patients. Scarce access to dermatologic specialty care and limited educational resources describing the unique clinical characteristics of HIV-related skin disease can make diagnosing and treating skin diseases a challenge in Africa. This article describes common HIV-related dermatologic conditions in Africa and their differential diagnoses and includes treatment strategies that are likely to be available locally. It is not meant to be comprehensive but rather to serve as a practical resource to aid practitioners by providing images of common conditions and describing distinctive clinical presentations of common conditions.

Cutaneous malignancy and human immunodeficiency virus disease

Certain skin cancers occur with increased frequency or altered course in patients infected with HIV. Malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma are examples of cutaneous malignancies that have a more aggressive course in patients with HIV. Others, such as basal cell carcinoma, appear more frequently in this population but do not appear to be more aggressive. The incidence of HIV-associated Kapsosi's sarcoma has markedly decreased since the advent of HIV antiretroviral therapy. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of this malignancy and its unique management issues are fully reviewed. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is rare in this population. Other types of cutaneous lymphoma and HIV-associated pseudo-CTCL are discussed. This article addresses prevention, treatment, and follow-up strategies for this at-risk population.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with the unique epidemiology, clinical course, and management of cutaneous malignancy in patients infected with HIV.

Dermatologic manifestations of HIV infection

Although some dermatologic diseases have decreased markedly in frequency in the potent antiretroviral therapy era, other conditions remain common. Among patients with low CD4(+) cell counts who are not on or not adherent to antiretroviral therapy, notable conditions include psoriasis, photodermatitis, prurigo nodularis, molluscum, and adverse drug reactions. Conditions that remain relatively common despite adequate antiretroviral therapy include eczema, xerosis, warts, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Disorders that are associated with immune reconstitution under potent antiretroviral therapy include acne, staphylococcal infections, and erythema nodosum. In addition, HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is associated with a number of skin disorders.

Relapsing polychondritis in HIV-infected patients: a report of two cases

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and degeneration of cartilaginous tissue. We describe the first reported cases of relapsing polychondritis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and no associated connective tissue diseases. The relationship between autoimmune and HIV diseases is complex and unclear. Treatment of HIV disease with antiretroviral therapy and subsequent immune restoration may lead to the development of autoimmune diseases in genetically susceptible individuals.

Approach to the treatment of cutaneous malignancy in HIV-infected patients

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased risk of developing skin cancers. These at-risk patients may have atypical presentations and/or altered clinical courses. This article will review and discuss management issues for the following malignancies: lymphomas, malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Kaposi's sarcoma.

Skin-related quality of life in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

The overall health status and survival of HIV-infected patients has changed with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). With this improved survival, there is a greater urgency to study quality-of-life issues.

OBJECTIVE

Our objectives were to measure skin-related quality of life in a cohort of HIV-infected patients and to determine whether the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with improved skin-related quality of life.

METHODS

We assembled a retrospective cohort of patients who were seen in our HIV-Dermatology Clinic at San Francisco General Hospital in June, July, or August of 1996. Eligible subjects were contacted by mail and asked (1) to complete a questionnaire (Skindex) and (2) to have a skin exam. Information on medication use and laboratory parameters was also collected.

RESULTS

Of 107 eligible patients, 76 (71%) responded to the questionnaire; 60 patients were examined. Many patients had multiple skin conditions. For most diagnoses (except warts and onychomycosis), there were no consistent differences in Skindex scores of HIV-infected patients compared with scores of patients not known to be infected with HIV. Patients on HAART for longer duration had significantly lower Skindex scores (improved skin-related quality of life) compared with those on HAART for a shorter duration.

CONCLUSION

HAART is associated with improved quality of life with regard to HIV-associated skin diseases.

Prevalence and predictors of skin disease in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS)

OBJECTIVE

We attempted to determine the prevalence and predictors of skin disease in a cohort of women with and at risk for HIV infection.

METHODS

We analyzed baseline data from a multicenter longitudinal study of HIV infection in women.

RESULTS

A total of 2018 HIV-infected women and 557 HIV-uninfected women were included in this analysis. Skin abnormalities were reported more frequently among HIV-infected than uninfected women (63% vs 44%, respectively; odds ratio [OR] 2.10; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.74-2.54). Infected women were also more likely to have more than 2 skin diagnoses (OR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.31-8.16). Folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, herpes zoster, and onychomycosis were more common among HIV-infected women (P < .05). Independent predictors of abnormal findings on skin examination in the infected women were African American race (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.07-1.77), injection drug use (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 2.11-3.57), CD4(+) count less than 50 (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.17-2.42), and high viral loads (100,000-499,999 = OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.32-2.37; > 499,999 = OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.42-3.27).

CONCLUSION

HIV infection was associated with a greater number of skin abnormalities and with specific dermatologic diagnoses. Skin abnormalities were also more common among women with CD4(+) cell depletion or higher viral load.

Photosensitivity in HIV-infected individuals

OBJECTIVE

To characterize photosensitivity in HIV-infected individuals using minimal erythema dosage (MED) UVA (ultraviolet A light) and UVB (ultraviolet B light) photoprovocation light testing.

DESIGN

Prospective, controlled analytical study.

SETTING

University of California, San Francisco, between March 1995 and January 1997.

PATIENTS

13 HIV-seropositive patients with clinical and pathological features consistent with photodermatitis, 13 HIV-seropositive patients with biopsy-proven eosinophilic foliculitis (EF), and 10 HIV-seropositive patients with CD4 (T helper cell) count below 200 cells/uL and no history of photosensitivity or EF.

INTERVENTION

Each patient underwent MED testing for UVB. All 13 patients with suspected photodermatitis underwent full photochallenge testing with UVA and UVB for up to 10 consecutive week days.

RESULTS

Mean MED to UVB in patients with clinical photosensitivity and EF was lower (p = 0.004 and p = 0.022 respectively) than that of patients without a clinical history of photodermatitis. There were no significant differences in mean CD4 count or Fitzpatrick skin type. Positive photochallenge tests (papular changes at site of provocative light testing) to UVB (9 of 13 patients) were much more common than reactions to UVA (3 of 13 patients) in the photodermatitis group. All patients with clinically active photodermatitis developed papular changes at the site of UVB photochallenge testing, but only 1 of 5 patients with photodermatitis in remission developed papular changes with UVB photochallenge testing. Seven of the 13 patients with photodermatitis had Native American ancestry. Photosensitive patients were commonly taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), but no more commonly than EF or control patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Photosensitivity in HIV-infected individuals appears to be a manifestation of advanced disease. Most patients are sensitive to UVB. The most severely affected individuals are both UVB and UVA sensitive, and may show reactions to visible light. A significant Native American ancestry may be a risk factor for development of photodermatitis in patients with advanced HIV disease. Finally, patients with eosinophilic folliculitis may be subclinically photosensitive.

Fat redistribution in HIV disease

BACKGROUND

Abnormal distributions of body fat have been reported in association with HIV infection, including cases of both regional loss and gain of fat.

OBJECTIVE

We describe the spectrum of abnormal fat distribution in HIV-positive patients.

METHODS

Patients were included if they demonstrated a lack of subcutaneous fat in the cheeks in the absence of generalized wasting. Patients were examined fully and photographed, and medical records were reviewed.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were seen. Further abnormalities of body fat distribution were noted in all patients. We found a consistent pattern of fat loss in the cheeks, temples, and extremities as well as fat gain over the neck, upper back, mastoid processes, chest, and visceral abdomen.

CONCLUSION

A consistent syndrome of body fat redistribution is seen in HIV-positive patients. A characteristic pattern of fat loss in the cheeks may serve as a specific marker of HIV-related fat redistribution.

Sarcoidosis in a patient with AIDS: a manifestation of immune restoration syndrome

Sarcoidosis has been rarely reported in the presence of HIV infection. Helper T-lymphocyte depletion may attenuate granuloma formation. We present a patient who developed active sarcoidosis after being started on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which increased his CD4 count and decreased his viral load. There have been reports of exaggerated responses to mycobacteria and viruses with the restoration of T-cell function after HAART in HIV-infected patients. We propose that active sarcoidosis seen in this patient is also a manifestation of this newly observed "immune restoration disease."

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. A study of epidemiologic risk factors, human papillomavirus, and p53 expression

OBJECTIVE

To examine risk factors for the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a group of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, including evaluation and detection of epidemiologic risk factors of human papillomavirus (HPV) and p53 expression.

DESIGN

Case-control study during a 3-year period.

SETTING

Dermatologic referral center.

PATIENTS

Thirty-three HIV-infected patients who had 97 SCCs were compared with 24 HIV-infected patients who had 70 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Age, skin type, amount of sun exposure, actinic damage, family history of skin cancer and history of smoking and warts. Specimens of SCC and BCC were examined for HPV using polymerase chain reaction. Presence of p53 was examined using immunohistochemical analysis. Specimens from tumor-free, non-sun-exposed areas from these same patients were used as controls.

RESULTS

Risk factors for the development of both types of carcinoma included fair skin type and excessive sun exposure (> 6 h/d during the previous 10 years). The HIV-infected patients with SCCs tended to have outdoor occupations. The location of SCCs favored the head and neck; BCCs were located on the trunk. Patients with SCCs had later-stage HIV disease than did patients with BCCs. Half of the patients with SCC had a history of genital or nongenital warts. Seventy-one percent (17/24) had a smoking history. No statistical difference existed between patients with SCCs and BCCs for history of smoking or warts. Human papillomavirus was not found in most of our SCC, BCC, or control specimens. However, 92% (22/24) of the SCC specimens and 90% (18/20) of the BCC specimens stained for p53. Control specimens from non-sun-exposed skin of HIV-infected patients did not stain for p53. Epidermal staining was present in 95% (17/20) of tissue adjacent to SCCs and 47% (7/15) of tissue adjacent to BCCs. A significantly positive correlation existed between the amount of sun exposure and the amount of p53 staining seen in adjacent epidermal tissue (r = 0.07; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for the development of SCCs and BCCs in HIV-infected patients are similar: fair skin type and excessive sun exposure. Our study does not support that HPV is an oncogenic factor in the development of these cutaneous tumors but provides evidence that p53 overexpression may play a role.

The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association consensus statement on the undertreatment of depression

OBJECTIVE

A consensus conference on the reasons for the undertreatment of depression was organized by the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (NDMDA) on January 17-18, 1996. The target audience included health policymakers, clinicians, patients and their families, and the public at large. Six key questions were addressed: (1) Is depression undertreated in the community and in the clinic? (2) What is the economic cost to society of depression? (3) What have been the efforts in the past to redress undertreatment and how successful have they been? (4) What are the reasons for the gap between our knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of depression and actual treatment received in this country? (5) What can we do to narrow this gap? (6) What can we do immediately to narrow this gap?

PARTICIPANTS

Consensus panel members were drawn from psychiatry, psychology, family practice, internal medicine, managed care and public health, consumers, and the general public. The panelists listened to a set of presentations with background papers from experts on diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, and cost of treatment.

EVIDENCE

Experts summarized relevant data from the world scientific literature on the 6 questions posed for the conference.

CONSENSUS PROCESS

Panel members discussed openly all material presented to them in executive session. Selected panelists prepared first drafts of the consensus statements for each question. All of these drafts were read by all panelists and were edited and reedited until consensus was achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

There is overwhelming evidence that individuals with depression are being seriously undertreated. Safe, effective, and economical treatments are available. The cost to individuals and society of this undertreatment is substantial. Long suffering, suicide, occupational impairment, and impairment in interpersonal and family relationships exist. Efforts to redress this gap have included provider educational programs and public educational programs. Reasons for the continuing gap include patient, provider, and health care system factors. Patient-based reasons include failure to recognize the symptoms, underestimating the severity, limited access, reluctance to see a mental health care specialist due to stigma, noncompliance with treatment, and lack of health insurance. Provider factors include poor professional school education about depression, limited training in interpersonal skills, stigma, inadequate time to evaluate and treat depression, failure to consider psychotherapeutic approaches, and prescription of inadequate doses of antidepressant medication for inadequate durations. Mental health care systems create barriers to receiving optimal treatment. Strategies to narrow the gap include enhancing the role of patients and families as participants in care and advocates; developing performance standards for behavioral health care systems, including incentives for positive identification, assessment, and treatment of depression; enhancing educational programs for providers and the public; enhancing collaboration among provider subtypes (eg, primary care providers and mental health professionals); and conducting research on development and testing of new treatments for depression.

The use of methotrexate for treatment of psoriasis in patients with HIV infection

The use of methotrexate (MTX) has been contraindicated for treatment of severe psoriasis in HIV infection on the basis of six previously reported cases in which MTX appeared to potentiate opportunistic infections and accelerate HIV disease. We describe three HIV-infected patients who were given MTX for severe psoriatic arthritis. In two patients opportunistic infections did not develop. On the basis of survival data, it is not clear that use of MTX adversely affected the natural course of their HIV disease.

Psoriasis and human immunodeficiency virus infection

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been reported to be severe and perhaps associated with decreased survival.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to document the natural history, response to therapy, and effect of psoriasis and its treatment on survival in HIV-infected patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

This was an observational cohort study of 50 persons with psoriasis and HIV infection followed up during a 2-year period.

RESULTS

In one third of the patients the psoriasis appeared before 1978, the year when HIV seroconversion began in San Francisco (group I). In two thirds psoriasis developed after 1978 (group II). Group I had a lower mean age of onset (19 vs 36 years) and more commonly had a family history of psoriasis. Palmoplantar and inverse psoriasis were more common in group II. Severe psoriasis occurred in one fourth of this group (12 of 50 patients). The median survival in this group after diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was 19 months, which is comparable to the median survival for all AIDS patients diagnosed in San Francisco between 1984 and 1990.

CONCLUSION

Psoriasis in the setting of HIV disease may be mild, moderate, or severe. Standard therapies and zidovudine are effective in management. Survival does not seem to be adversely affected by the presence of psoriasis or its therapy.