Oral manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus in children: An institutional study at highly active antiretroviral therapy centre in India

CONTEXT: More than 1000 children are newly infected with Human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV) every day, and of these more than half will die as a result of AIDS due to lack of access to HIV treatment. HIV disease varies considerably in children. Among those infected prenatally, some experience few or no symptoms for years, whereas in others the disease progresses rapidly. The risk factors that influence the development of such oral manifestations include, low CD4+ T cell count, xerostomia and lack of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). AIMS: To identify the oral manifestations of HIV in children receiving HAART. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 95 children receiving HAART. 95 HIV +ve children not receiving HAART and 95 HIV –ve children were also included for comparing the manifestations of HIV. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was done using Fisher's Chi-square test. Probability value (P value) was obtained for the three groups. RESULTS: The manifestations of HIV that were observed in children receiving HAART include dental caries (26%), periodontal diseases (23%), candidiasis (19%), hyperpigmentation (17%), ulcerative stomatitis (9%) and one case of mucocele. These manifestations were compared with HIV +ve children not receiving HAART and HIV –ve children to find manifestations with statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that HAART had increased the disease-free states in HIV +ve children on HAART promising them better life span. The incidence of oral lesions can further come down with adequate oral hygiene measures in HIV-infected children.