Mixed Cryoglobulinemia in HIV-1 Infection: The Role of HIV-1

2 February 1999 | Volume 130 Issue 3 | Pages 226-230

Background: Cryoglobulins are associated with chronic infections.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of mixed cryoglobulinemia in patients with HIV-1 infection, the clinical spectrum of cryoglobulinemia in these patients, and the possible role of HIV-1 in cryoglobulin formation.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Laiko Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Patients: 89 patients with HIV-1 infection.

Measurements: Serum and cryoglobulins were evaluated for antibodies to HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV-1, and HCV viral load.

Results: Mixed cryoglobulins were detected in 24 patients with HIV-1 infection (27% [95% CI, 18% to 36%]). The HIV-1 viral load was higher in cryoglobulin-positive patients (median, 38.25 x 10³ copies/mL [25th, 75th percentiles: 13.8 x 10³ copies/mL, 78.55 x 10³ copies/mL]) than in cryoglobulin-negative patients (median, 5.3 x 10³ copies/mL [25th, 75th percentiles: 0.7 x 10³ copies/mL, 27.2 x 10³ copies/mL]) (P = 0.001). Antibodies to HIV were detected in all cryoprecipitates, and HIV-1 RNA sequences were identified in 22 of the 23 cryoprecipitates examined. Nine cryoglobulin-positive patients (38% [CI, 19% to 54%]) had clinical manifestations compatible with cryoglobulinemia.

Conclusions: Mixed cryoglobulinemia is common in patients with HIV-1 infection.

Author and Article Information

From National and Kapodistrian University, Athens, Greece.

Acknowledgments: The authors thank Fani Giannoula and Anna Gialeraki for technical assistance and Urania Dafni for statistical assistance.

Grant Support: In part by grants 19/9.7.97 and 21/1.8.97 from Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Requests for Reprints: Haralampos M. Moutsopoulos, MD, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.

Current Author Addresses: Drs. Dimitrakopoulos, Kordossis, and Moutsopoulos: Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.

Dr. Hatzakis: Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.