Changes in the prevalence of HIV-associated mucosal disease at a dedicated clinic over 7 years.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate changes in the prevalence of mucosal disease in patients with HIV/AIDS.


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of clinic database.


METHODS
An open-access dental clinic dedicated to the dental treatment of patients infected with HIV in London, UK.


METHODS
Dental patients attending for routine assessment (check-up).


METHODS
Prevalence of HIV associated oral lesions, diagnosed in accordance with EC classification criteria, in patients taking and not taking antiretroviral therapies (ARTs).


RESULTS
Data were collected at 2789 dental examinations for 1590 patients between 1992 and 1998. More patients taking ART had one or more oral manifestations in the years up to 1996, after which the prevalence fell to a similar level to those not taking medications. The prevalence of mucosal disease in patients not taking ART was relatively constant over time. These trends were observed for oral hairy leukoplakia, pseudomembranous and erythematous candidiasis and Kaposi's sarcoma but not for oral papillomata.


CONCLUSIONS
These data provide evidence that decreases in the prevalence of oral disease in people with HIV infection can be attributed to the effectiveness of ART.
Greenwood
I
I
Dental Clinic, Mortimer Market Centre, Mortimer Market, London, UK. ian.gw@virgin.net
Zakrzewska
J M
JM
Robinson
P G
PG
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D017733:Leukoplakia, Hairy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D010212:Papilloma / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000453:epidemiology; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents