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Oral manifestations and dental status in paediatric HIV infection
F J Ramos-Gomez1, A Petru, J F Hilton
1Department of Growth and Development, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143-0438, USA. ramos@itsa.ucsf.edu
Insights
Oral manifestations like candidiasis are common in children with perinatal HIV infection. These oral symptoms can indicate disease progression and warrant regular dental check-ups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Oral Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in children presents unique challenges.
- Oral manifestations are frequent complications in pediatric HIV.
- Understanding these manifestations is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and prevalence of oral manifestations in perinatally HIV-infected children.
- To explore associations between oral conditions and HIV disease markers.
- To evaluate the role of oral examinations in monitoring pediatric HIV progression.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective and prospective cohort study of perinatally HIV-infected children.
- Quarterly examinations for oral manifestations, tooth eruption, caries, and periodontal status.
- Medical chart review from birth and prospective follow-up.
Main Results:
- Pseudomembranous candidiasis incidence was 43% within 6 months of birth.
- Oral candidiasis correlated with lower CD4 counts and plaque presence.
- Children with lower CD4 counts exhibited fewer teeth, adjusted for age.
Conclusions:
- Oral manifestations are prevalent in pediatric HIV and may predict disease progression.
- Regular oral examinations are essential for monitoring HIV disease and managing opportunistic infections.
- Early detection and management of oral conditions can improve outcomes for HIV-infected children.
Objective:
To describe the incidence and prevalence of oral manifestations of HIV infection in a population of perinatally infected children.
Design:
Retrospective and prospective study of a cohort of perinatally HIV-infected children.
Setting:
Community hospital and community-based paediatric clinic.
Sample And Methods:
Forty perinatally HIV-infected children with a median age of 12 months were eligible and selected for the study, which included a medical chart review from birth and prospective follow-up. Each child was examined quarterly for oral manifestations, tooth eruption, and for 27 children, caries and periodontal status.
Results:
The incidence of pseudomembranous candidiasis was 43% (95% CI, 27-58%) within 6 months of birth. Oral candidiasis (defined as pseudomembranous or erythematous) was positively associated with low CD4 counts and the occurrence of plaque. Children with low CD4 counts were also found to have fewer teeth than children with high CD4 counts, after adjusting for age.
Conclusions:
Oral manifestations are common in paediatric HIV infection and are possible predictors of HIV disease progression. Primary care of HIV-infected children should include periodic oral examinations to monitor their HIV disease progression and to alleviate symptoms associated with oral opportunistic infections.