Myalglas, Non-Restorative Sleep, and Fatigue in Patients Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract

Objective: To survey consecutive patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] for subjective rheumatic complaints.

Methods: Fifty-three consecutive HIV positive patients were surveyed for arthralgias, myalgias, non-restorative sleep, and fatigue. Patients with positive questionnaires were examined and charts of all 53 reviewed. High risk, HIV negative individuals served as questionnaire controls.

Results: Myalgias, non-restorative sleep, and fatigue were reported by almost half of the patients. Human immunodeficiency virus risk group, HIV classification, cluster determinant-4 counts, hematocrit, antiretroviral medications, and exercise level were not contributory factors. A current or past psychiatric diagnosis was associated with non-restorative sleep. Fibromyalgia occurred in 8% and inflammatory rheumatic diseases in 6%.

Conclusions: Myalgias, non-restorative sleep, and fatigue are common complaints in HIV infected individuals. There were no obvious contributory factors identified beyond the HIV infection with the exception of psychiatric diagnosis and non-restorative sleep.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV infection
• fatigue
• myalgias
• fibromyalgia
• sleep