title: An evaluation of the early effects of a combination antiretroviral therapy programme on the management of AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
abstract: Roll-out of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in South Africa should impact on AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Government provision began in 2003, with 23% coverage for World Health Organization (WHO) stage IV AIDS in 2006. To assess the effect of cART availability on KS management, we evaluated records from 701 KS patients seen at a tertiary oncology centre in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, from 1995 to 2006. Associations between cART use and measures of KS care were evaluated. cART availability was 0% prior to 2001, 9.6% (2001-2003) and 44% (2004-2006). Documentation of HIV status increased incrementally from 65% to 92%. cART was associated with chemotherapy administration: 56% on cART versus 17% not on cART (P < 0.001); and less loss to follow-up, 13% on cART versus 38% not on cART (P < 0.001). cART availability improves the care of AIDS-associated KS. Further increases in cART availability for this population are needed in South Africa.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, CAPRISA, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. mosama@ukzn.ac.za
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mosam
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Uldrick
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Shaik
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Carrara
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aboobaker
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Coovadia
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000379:methods*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000628:therapy*; D013019:South Africa; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents