Human immunodeficiency virus infection, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A retrospective survey of the medical records of St. Paul's Hospital and its AIDS-care physicians/gastroenterologists searching for patients with both HIV/AIDS and IBD was conducted. Of 1,839 hospitalized patients (4,459 hospital admissions) from 1989 to 1993, two patients with AIDS/HIV and IBD were found. The physician survey revealed four patients for a total of six patients. Four patients developed de novo IBD--two ulcerative colitis (UC), one Crohn's disease (CrD), and one indeterminate colitis (IC)--after HIV infection. Two patients had UC predating HIV seroconversion. The absolute CD4 count of patients with de novo IBD was 210-700 cells/ml at the time of IBD. The patient with IC maintained quiescent IBD from a CD4 count of 190-30 cells/ml. The other had many relapses before HIV seropositivity. With CD4 count depletion, disease activity improved. IBD medications were discontinued at a CD4 count of 130 cells/ml. Diarrhea returned at a CD4 count of 20 cells/ml; however, sigmoidoscopy was unremarkable, and mucosal biopsy revealed cryptosporidiosis without active UC. No patient had an AIDS-related illness during active IBD. Two patients followed to CD4 counts of < 30 cells/ml suffered AIDS-related infections with quiescent IBD. With a progressive decline in CD4 count, IBD disease activity may improve and remit. The CD4 count at which remission occurs may reflect severe immunodeficiency such that risk for AIDS-related infection is high. Active IBD may occur with lesser degrees of immunodeficiency.

Health Concerns (excluding AIDS) for Male Homosexual Patients.

Since 1981, the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has emerged as the major infectious epidemic of our time and has focused much attention on the male homosexual community. While AIDS is the most serious of gay-related health concerns, it is only one of several infectious diseases that have particular relevance for this group of patients. In addition, the mere acknowledgement of homosexuality by a male patient evokes unique psychosocial concerns that are important considerations for the primary health-care provider. The author of this article describes an approach to gay male patients for those who provide health care to such men and provides a review of specific infectious diseases (excluding AIDS) for which they are at risk.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection: the spectrum beyond AIDS.

Since 1981, the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has emerged as the major infectious epidemic of our time. It is the most profound manifestation of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Since 1984, serologic methods have existed to detect antibody to HIV. Several other clinical entities have been detected and are attributable to HIV infection. Appropriate counsel must accompany antibody testing. The author discusses the acute seroconversion event, as well as asymptomatic carrier status, including generalized lymphadenopathy. He also reviews the symptomatic states that do not meet the surveillance definition of AIDS, including treatments where available.