CD4 cells count as a prognostic marker in HIV patients with comparative analysis of various studies in Asia Pacific region

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between CD4+ cells count with orofacial and systemic manifestations in newly diagnosed HIV seropositive patients and comparison of results with the previous studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hundred (100; 57 males and 43 females) newly diagnosed HIV seropositive patients, before starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) were included in the study. These patients were clustered according to CD4+ cells count into three groups: 0–200 cells/mm(3), 201–499 cells/mm(3), and more than 500 cells/mm(3). Orofacial and systemic manifestations of these patients were recorded and correlated with CD4 cells count values. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation found between CD4+ cells count values of males and females using independent t-test. Chi-square test showed significant correlation between the systemic manifestations and CD4+ cells count categories. Tuberculosis was found to be the most common systemic manifestation in both the genders. In addition, a significant correlation was between the CD4+ cells count and orofacial manifestations, where oral candidiasis was found to be the most common manifestation in both the genders. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of systemic and orofacial manifestations increases with decrease in the CD4+ cells count of HIV seropositive patients. Hence, it can be used as diagnostic and prognostic marker for immune suppression in HIV positive patients.