Low viral load: possible factor in paediatric HIV parotid lymphoid-proliferation

Introduction: HIV associated parotid lymphoepithelial lesions in children are not well documented. Most studies have concentrated on the adult population. Objectives: The present study aimed to document the disease, its risk factors and anti-retroviral treatment outcome in children. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at 2 HIV and AIDS facilities weekly over a 6 month period. “Parotid swellings” in children below 13 years were analysed. A retrospective medical chart review was conducted. Results: Seventy-one children were included; 47 with swelling (Group 1) and 24 without swelling (Group 2). Thirty-nine had parotid swelling of 1or both glands, 6 had submandibular and parotid swelling and 2 with only submandibular swelling. Twenty-six children in Group 1 were receiving HAART, 19 reported a reduction in size of lesion, 6 reported no effect and only 1 had the lesion after 11 months of HAART. Conclusion: Parotid lymphoid proliferation in children is more common than previously reported. The prevalence of this lesion could not be determined as not all children with parotid swelling presenting at the clinics were included in the study. Children with lower viral loads showed an increased risk of developing parotid lymphoid proliferation. The parotid lesions responded well to HAART but did not completely resolve.