Otorhinolaryngological Manifestations among HIV Positive Children in Coastal Karnataka.
Maneno muhimu
Kikemikali
BACKGROUND
With changed clinical profile of HIV related diseases, our study attempted to analyse otorhinolaryngological manifestations in HIV positive children coming to ART centre of a tertiary referral in South India.
METHODS
Records of 137 children registered at ART Centre, Government Wenlock Hospital, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore from 2004 till 2010 were studied and data for this retrospective study was collected.
RESULTS
Twenty three (16.8%) children developed otorhinolaryngological manifestations, which were upper respiratory tract infection (13.1%), oral candidiasis (1.4%), otitis media (1.4%) and parotitis (1%). With increasing WHO stage, the ENT manifestations increased (p<0.05) while CD4 count decreased (p>0.05), 35% and 44% cases with ENT manifestations had CD4 counts above 500 cells/mm3 and below 200 cells/mm3 respectively (p>0.05). 24% children on HAART and 10.7% not on HAART developed ENT illnesses (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
With the current ART protocols, ENT manifestations are seen in 17% HIV positive children, most of which are aspecific.