Incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma and associated mortality in Fresno, California, 1998 to 2012

The incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) decreased dramatically after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This study determined the ongoing incidence of and mortality from KS in HIV-infected adults from 1998-2012 in Fresno County, California. The role of virologic control and immune reconstitution was assessed.

Incident cases were identified from the state Electronic HIV/AIDS Reporting System (EHARS), the California Cancer Registry, and hospital records of the county HIV treatment center.

From 1998-2012, the average incidence of KS was 0.51 cases per 100,000 person-years. Of the 66 cases of KS there were 20 deaths, with 85% of the mortality occurring in the first 12 months. Among patients on HAART achieving HIV RNA <400 copies/uL, but with a <50 cell/uL increase in CD4 count there was no improvement in mortality.

The incidence of KS remains stable since 1998 with a 12-month mortality of 30%.