Association of dental health parameters with oral lesion prevalence in human immunodeficency virus-infected Romanian children.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the association of caries, plaque accumulation, gingival health, and antiretroviral therapy (AT) with oral lesion prevalence in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Romanian children.


METHODS
A convenience sample of HIV-infected children who received dental care in 2 hospitals were evaluated for oral lesions, caries (dfs+DFS/total teeth present), plaque (PI, Silness and Löe), and gingival indices (GI, Löe and Silness). Oral lesions were grouped as: (1) extraoral herpetic infections; (2) parotid gland swelling; (3) oral ulcerative lesions; and (4) fungal infections. A standardized operator performed the examinations and photographed the oral lesions for confirmation. Age, gender, and use of AT were documented. Data were analyzed by logistic and multiple regression, Pearson correlation and t test (P<.05).


RESULTS
One hundred four children (mean age=11.7 years) were evaluated. Fungal infections were associated with increased caries rate (P=.002; OR=2.5) and increased GI (P=.01; OR=7.6). Caries, PI, and GI were associated with an increase in oral lesions (r=-0.472, P<.001). AT use was associated with decreased caries (P=.001, t test), but was not associated with decreased oral lesion prevalence.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral lesions, especially candidiasis, are more common in HIV-infected children with higher caries experience, gingival inflammation, and plaque accumulation. In children with limited access to medical care, the role of oral health appears to be important for decreasing the risk of common opportunistic infections.
Chen
Jung-Wei
JW
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, The University of Texas Dental Branch, Houston, Tex, USA. jwchen27@hotmail.com
Flaitz
Catherine M
CM
Wullbrandt
Blake
B
Sexton
John
J
D000293:Adolescent; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000150:complications; D002613:Cheilitis / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000150:complications*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000150:complications*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D005892:Gingivitis, Necrotizing Ulcerative / Q000150:complications; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000150:complications; D010309:Parotitis / Q000150:complications; D010512:Periodontal Index; D012383:Romania
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents