Cutaneous reaction to ultraviolet irradiation in human-immunodeficiency-virus-infected patients. A case-control study.
BACKGROUND
HIV-infected patients, like renal transplant recipients, are at increased risk of developing skin cancer in photoexposed areas. Previous studies demonstrated that prolonged ultraviolet (UV)-induced erythema and a decreased and delayed tanning could be correlated with an increased risk of skin cancers.


OBJECTIVE
As HIV-infected patients are at an increased risk of developing skin cancers, we aimed to assess the cutaneous response to UV irradiation in these patients.


METHODS
Twelve HIV-infected patients and 12 healthy volunteers were included in a prospective case-control study. No patient or volunteer had a history of skin cancer or photodermatosis. The minimal erythemal dose (MED) was determined using a solar simulator UV source, and, then, each subject underwent an exposure of 6 MED. The erythemal and pigmentation responses were studied using a visual scale and a tristimulus colorimeter over a 4-week period.


RESULTS
We failed to demonstrate any significant differences between HIV-infected patients and controls for erythema and delayed pigmentation. No difference was found for MED between the two groups although most HIV-infected patients received potentially photosensitive drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that, as a group, the HIV-infected patients without a history of photosensitivity or skin cancer did not demonstrate a greater susceptibility to intense UV irradiation in terms of erythema and pigmentation induced by intense UV exposition.
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Besançon, France. francois.aubin@ufc.chu-univ-fcomte.fr
F
F
Aubin
N
N
Parriaux
C
C
Robert
D
D
Blanc
C
C
Drobacheff
R
R
Laurent
P
P
Humbert
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003124:Colorimetry; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*