Physiotherapy management of patients with HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma.
BACKGROUND
Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common form of cancer in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although Kaposi sarcoma lesions may contribute to significant physical impairments, there is a lack of scientific literature detailing the role of physiotherapy in the treatment of HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma. The present Case Report includes two males, aged 36 and 39 years, seropositive for HIV with invasive Kaposi's sarcoma.


RESULTS
Patient A was evaluated for bilateral foot pain caused by plantar surface Kaposi s sarcoma lesions that rendered him unable to walk. He progressed to walking 400feet after a treatment regimen of gait training with the use of custom plastazote sandals. Patient B was evaluated for right lower extremity lymphoedema secondary to invasive Kaposi's sarcoma. He experienced an 18% reduction in limb volume, a 38% reduction in pain and a 20 degrees increase in terminal knee flexion after therapeutic exercise and the use of compressive bandaging and garments.


CONCLUSIONS
This Case Report suggests that physiotherapy interventions may be valuable in the conservative management of patients with HIV-associated Kaposi s sarcoma.
Harris-Love
Michael O
MO
Physical Therapy Section, Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Warren G Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda 20892-1604, USA. mlove@nih.gov
Shrader
Joseph A
JA
D000328:Adult; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*