Hospital course of HIV-positive patients with odontogenic infections.
OBJECTIVE
The study purpose was to compare and contrast the hospital course of patients who are human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) and human immunodeficiency virus-negative (HIV-) who were admitted to manage their odontogenic infection.


METHODS
We used a retrospective case-control study design and a sample derived from patients admitted for management of their odontogenic infections. Cases and controls were defined as patients who were HIV+ or HIV-, respectively. HIV status was determined by patient self-report. Outcome variables included admission temperature (degrees Celsius) and white blood cell count, number of fascial spaces infected, days with temperature >38 degrees C, need for intensive care, and length of hospital stay.


RESULTS
The study sample consisted of 60 patients (10 HIV+ cases and 50 HIV- controls matched for age and sex) with a mean age of 32.8 +/- 6.6 years and was predominantly male (78%). Significant differences existed between patients who were HIV+ and those who were HIV- for the following variables: admission white blood cell count, number of days with maximum temperature >38.0 degrees C, and use of the intensive care unit.


CONCLUSIONS
The study results suggest that patients who are HIV+ who are admitted for management of odontogenic infection have a significantly more intense hospital course than those who are HIV-. However, the overall length of hospital stay is not significantly different.
Carey
J W
JW
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Dodson
T B
TB
D000328:Adult; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D001831:Body Temperature; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003422:Critical Care; D005260:Female; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D007902:Length of Stay; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies