The Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in Patients with Hemophilia

Abstract

Since mid-1981 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) [USA] has received reports of more than 1900 cases of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. These patient had either Kaposi''s sarcoma confirmed by biopsy or a life-threatening opportunistic infection confirmed by biopsy or culture. In Jan. 1982, a case of a hemophiliac with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was reported to the CDC; by July 1982, 2 other hemophiliacs had developed P. carinii pneumonia. During the next 12 mo. a total of 22 confirmed cases of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome occurred in hemophiliacs, 17 in the USA and 5 outside the USA. The nature of the epidemic of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in hemophiliacs is reported and pertinent clinical aspects are summarized.