Rheumatoid arthritis in HIV-infected individuals: a cross-sectional study in Nepal

Introduction: HIV is a chronic viral infection documented worldwide. It infects and destroys helper T cells (CD4), leading to a number of immunological deficiencies. The main objective of this study was to examine the rheumatoid factor (Rf) to recognize the rheumatoid arthritis prevalence rate in HIV-infected patients. Material and methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 150 HIVpositive individuals visiting ART center of Western Regional Hospital. Patients were counseled, and samples were taken. Samples were processed by MISPA-i2 and analyzed using SPSS. Rf was measured for all participants. Results: Out of the 150 participants, 35 (23.3%) were Rf-positive for rheumatoid arthritis. In multivariable analysis, these levels were higher in 20-40 years age group, females, married, illiterate, and unknown about their HIV transmission. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis was observed in 23.3% of participants. Similarly, the association of sex and other variables significant values were found in education, mode of transmission, and age categories, as 0.004, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively. Conclusions: The results of our research suggest the need for regular screening for Rf among HIVpositive patients in order to reduce mortality and pain in these individuals due to rheumatoid arthritis.