[Generalized and persistent lymphadenopathy in drug addicts: clinical and epidemiological aspects] NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1985. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


[Generalized and persistent lymphadenopathy in drug addicts: clinical and epidemiological aspects]

Boll Ist Sieroter Milan. 1984 Sep;63(4):357-65. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/85097469
Lazzarin A; Galli M; Moroni M; Cultraro D; Negri C; Parravicini C; Ragni MC; Fiorenza AM; Nervetti G; Zanussi C

Abstract: Persistent unexplained lymphadenopathy with intermittent fever, weight loss, night sweats and malaise was observed in the period from March 1983 to April 1984 in 66 intravenous drug addicts living in Milan. A high percent of these subjects showed cellular immunity alterations, with significant decrease of total lymphocyte count (p less than 0.001) and of OKT4+ cells (percent and absolute number) (p less than 0.001) OKT8+ cells were augmented in percent, but not in absolute count. OKT4/OKT8 cell ratio were inverted, with significant reduction versus the healthy controls (p less than 0.001). IgG mean concentrations were significantly higher than the normal (p less than 0.001). Anergy or hypoergy to recall skin testing were evidenced in 58/66 patients. Cases of persistent unexplained lymphadenopathy associated with abnormalities of cellular immunity are considered as a possible prodrom of AIDS and were frequently observed in high risk populations. The occurrence of this clinical syndrome in a urban area may be premonitory of further progression to the epidemic. It will be necessary to assess whether this clinical and immunological picture will result in some of these patients in full blown acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/ETIOLOGY Adolescence Adult Antibodies, Monoclonal/ANALYSIS Body Weight English Abstract Female Fever Human Immunity, Cellular Immunoglobulins/ANALYSIS Leukocyte Count Lymphatic Diseases/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*IMMUNOLOGY Male Skin Tests Substance Dependence/*IMMUNOLOGY JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/etiologyadolescenceadultantibodies,monoclonal/analysisbodyweightenglishabstractfemalefeverhumanimmunity,cellularimmunoglobulins/analysisleukocytecountlymphaticdiseases/epidemiology/KWDimmunologymaleskintestssubstancedependence/KWDimmunologyjournalarticle
850530
M8550105

Copyright © 1985 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1985. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1985. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .