The Effect of Antiretroviral Treatment in Paediatric HIV/AIDS Patients

Objectives: Oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS is well established in both adult and paediatric HIV/AIDS patients. Although antiretroviral treatment (ART) has been shown to decrease oral manifestations in adult HIV/AIDS patients, little is know about the effect thereof in paediatric patients. The objective of this study was to compare the oral manifestations between patients receiving ART and those not treated with ART. Methods: Data obtained from routine oral examinations on paediatric HIV/AIDS patients attending the Kalafong Paediatric Outpatient Clinic was analysed retrospectively. The prevalence of oral manifestations was determine in those to whom ART was administered for a period of at least 3 months, and those patients not receiving ART. Chi-square analysis was performed to determine any possible statistical significance between the two groups Results: Data from 58 ART patients and 122 non-ART patients was analysed and no statistical difference was observed for pseudomembranous and erythematous candidiasis, angular cheilitis, oral ulceration, parotid gland enlargement, caries or cervical lymph nodes. A statistically significant difference was however observed for the total number of other, less frequently encountered lesions, e.g. defects in tooth morphology and delayed eruptions (p°Ü 0.01). Conclusion: No significant difference could be displayed between paediatric patients treated with ART and those not treated. However continued surveillance is required to obtain definitive results.