How are HIV-associated rheumatic diseases treated?
The specific highly active antiretroviral therapy HAART (often referred to as the “cocktail” of HIV drugs) introduced in the mid 1990s has markedly improved HIV-related symptoms, especially inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions. Thanks to HAART, both the frequency and clinical severity of the rheumatic disorder and long-term prognosis have greatly improved. Additionally, most HIV patients with musculoskeletal complaints respond well to conventional treatment with a combination of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. Those who do not respond to conventional treatment may require medicine to suppress the immune system and physical therapy to relieve symptoms, prevent joint deformities and, most importantly, preserve musculoskeletal function.
