title: Risk factors for mortality in AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma in a primary care antiretroviral treatment program in Malawi.
abstract: AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS-KS) is the most common HIV-related malignancy. The majority of cases are found in sub-Saharan Africa. This retrospective cohort study describes characteristics of patients with AIDS-KS and factors associated with mortality in an antiretroviral treatment (ART) program in rural Malawi. Of 11 122 patients enrolled on ART, 830 (7%) had AIDS-KS. Patients with AIDS-KS were more likely to be lost to follow-up (22% versus 14%, P < 0.001) and showed a higher mortality (22% versus 10%, P < 0.001) compared to patients without AIDS-KS. A CD4 count ≤150 cells/μl, advanced stage AIDS-KS, and absence of bleomycin chemotherapy were associated with increased mortality. Earlier diagnosis and improved treatment of AIDS-KS are urgently needed in order to reduce mortality.
authors.affiliation: Médecins Sans Frontières, 49 Jorissen St, Braamfontein 2017, Johannesburg, South Africa.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Dalitso
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Misinde
authors.forename: Moses
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Massaquoi
authors.forename: Olesi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Pasulani
authors.forename: Beatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mwagomba
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: Rony
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zachariah