The Coexistence of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Chronic Disease

Abstract

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been described in both the adult and the pediatric population. Two cases underscore the importance of a detailed history when confronted with a patient who has symptoms and signs of AIDS that are consistent with symptoms and signs of chronic disease. A 23-year-old male with cystic fibrosis and a 4-year-old male with chronic respiratory disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia) were ultimately diagnosed with AIDS. The diagnosis in each case was effectively masked by the patient's respective chronic disease, thereby delaying appropriate health care delivery. Careful retrospective review revealed hidden risk factors in both instances. The two patients illustrate the need to have an index of suspicion for the diagnosis of AIDS in any patient with features of a chronic illness. In such instances, a thorough search should be made for AIDS risk factors, and appropriate immunologic studies should be performed.