Improvement in CD4 lymphocyte count in HIV-Reiter's syndrome after treatment with sulfasalazine

Objective. To describe an observed improvement in CD4 lymphocytes in patients with Reiter's syndrome (RS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, after treatment with sulfasalazine (SFSZ). Methods. Case series. We analyzed CD4 lymphocyte counts in 4 consecutive patients with RS and HIV disease before and after treatment with SFSZ. Results. CD4+ lymphocyte counts increased from a mean of 315 ± 179 before treatment to 542 ± 231 x 10⁶/l on followup (p < 0.03), in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. The significance of these observations is discussed. Conclusion. Treatment of RS with SFSZ in HIV disease appears to be associated with an improvement in CD4 count.