Oral manifestations in HIV/AIDS infected patients from India.
OBJECTIVE
To assess types and prevalence of HIV-related oral lesions among HIV-infected individuals in south India and to correlate common oral findings with co-morbidities, gender, age and medication.


METHODS
One hundred and one patients with HIV infection or AIDS at infectious diseases units of Attavar Hospital, Mangalore, and medical wards of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, were selected. Sociodemographic information was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Oral lesions were diagnosed according to the presumptive criteria of EEC-Clearinghouse Classification. Clinical history was retrieved from patient's medical records.


RESULTS
Erythematous candidiasis (44.5%), melanotic hyperpigmentaion (34.6%) and xerostomia (29.7%) were among the most common oral manifestations. A significant association was found between oral candidiasis and advanced immunosuppression (P < 0.05). Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) was predominant in individuals <35 years (P < 0.05). Melanotic hyperpigmentation was significantly associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (P < 0.05). OHL was more frequent in patients with HIV-associated tuberculosis. Linear gingival erythema was more predominant in females.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral hairy leukoplakia showed a positive relationship with patients younger than 35 years. Oral candidiasis can act as a marker for immunosuppression. Angular cheilitis was predominant in the symptomatic stage.
Sharma
G
G
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Karnataka, India. drgaurav7479@rediffmail.com
Pai
K M
KM
Suhas
S
S
Ramapuram
J T
JT
Doshi
D
D
Anup
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000209:etiology*; D002613:Cheilitis / Q000209:etiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D005892:Gingivitis, Necrotizing Ulcerative / Q000209:etiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D017733:Leukoplakia, Hairy / Q000209:etiology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D008875:Middle Aged; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000139:chemically induced