Noma (cancrum oris) in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients: report of eight cases.
OBJECTIVE
This article describes the clinical features and management of noma (cancrum oris) in HIV/AIDS patients.


METHODS
Eight HIV/AIDS patients were studied. Clinical presentation was different in all of the cases. Conservative debridement under local anesthesia with an antibiotic was performed.


RESULTS
Satisfactory resolution of the acute phase of this dangerous infection was achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
Minimal but thorough debridement of necrotic tissue along with lavage with povidone-iodine is effective in controlling this infective process. However, long-term sequelae of noma are not possible because of the underlying HIV infection from which the patients inevitably soon succumbs.
Chidzonga
M M
MM
Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Zimbabwe, Harrare, Zimbabwe.
D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009625:Noma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D011206:Povidone-Iodine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
D011206:Povidone-Iodine