Correlation of CD4 counts with oral and systemic manifestations in HIV patients

AIM: Aim of the study was to correlate CD4 counts with oral and systemic manifestations in HIV patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study population comprised of newly diagnosed 100 confirmed seropositive patients, before starting any antiretroviral therapy, were included. The oral lesions were diagnosed based on clinical manifestation using international criteria and CD4 count was determined within maximum 1 week of oral examination. Oral and systemic manifestations of HIV-positive patients were recorded and correlated with CD4 counts. RESULTS: It was found that decrease in CD4 count is associated with a wide range of oral and systemic manifestations which can be used as prognostic marker for immune suppression in AIDS patient. CONCLUSION: Correlation of CD4 count with oral and systemic manifestation in HIV patient demonstrate the role of oral physician in identification, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV-associated lesions, providing proper guidance to the patient and allowing for an early diagnosis and treatment of the disease, which is fundamental for a successful management of the life conditions of HIV infected patients.