Spontaneous resolution of a case of anti-retroviral treatmentnaïve HIV-associated polymyositis

Abstract

Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (ARD) have been described in individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. However, the incidence of ARD in individuals with HIV has evolved since the introduction of Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART) for the treatment of HIV. Clinicians face a therapeutic dilemma regarding the use of potent immunosuppressants when managing ARD in individuals with HIV infection. The disease activity of ARD varies during the natural course
of HIV infection and its treatment with HAART. The outcomes of some ARDs may be better in individuals with HIV when compared with individuals without HIV. Here we report the first case of spontaneous resolution of HIV-Associated Polymyositis (HAM) presenting with profound proximal muscle weakness occurring in a treatment-naïve patient with HIV and discuss the possible treatment options of HAM based on evidence from the literature.

Keywords: HIV, Polymyositis, HIVassociated
myositis, HAART, Highly
Active Antiretroviral Treatment and antiretroviral
drugs