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Odynophagia/dysphagia in AIDS
1Department of Medicine, State University of New York-Health Science Center, Brooklyn.
Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Odynophagia and dysphagia in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are often caused by esophageal candidiasis. Antifungal therapy trial is recommended before further investigation for most cases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Odynophagia and dysphagia are prevalent symptoms in patients with AIDS.
- Esophageal candidiasis is the most common cause of these swallowing difficulties.
- Other opportunistic infections and malignancies can also cause esophageal symptoms in AIDS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causes of odynophagia and dysphagia in patients with AIDS.
- To suggest an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
- To highlight the need for further research into effective treatments and prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of esophageal disorders in AIDS patients.
- Clinical observation and case descriptions.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes for various esophageal conditions.
Main Results:
- Esophageal candidiasis is the leading cause of odynophagia/dysphagia in AIDS.
- Herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and rarely cryptosporidiosis are other infectious causes.
- Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma are infrequent causes of esophageal symptoms.
Conclusions:
- A therapeutic trial with antifungal agents like ketoconazole is often appropriate for suspected esophageal candidiasis before invasive procedures.
- Antiviral therapy is indicated for herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus esophagitis.
- Further research is warranted to determine optimal treatment and prophylaxis strategies for esophageal disorders in the growing AIDS population.