Oral manifestations of HIV in kids

Resident’s Name: Joanne Lewis Date: February 26, 2010

Article title: Oral findings in asymptomatic (P-1) and symptomatic (P-2) HIV-infected children

Author(s): Agnes Del Toro, DDS, et al

Journal: Pediatric Dentistry

Volume (number): 18(2)

Month, Year: 1996

Major topic: oral manifestations of HIV in children

Type of Article: research

Main Purpose: to assess the relationship between HIV-related oral findings and HIV disease progression in perinatally HIV-infected children.

Overview of method of research: 28 HIV-infected children were selected for inclusion in the study: 13 females, 15 males ranging in age from 2 months to 13.5 years. All of the patients acquired HIV via maternal transmission and all were taking antiretroviral medication at the time of oral examination. 10 of the patients were classified as P-1 (asymptomatic) and 18 of the patients were classifies as P-2 (symptomatic) – CDC classification system.

Findings: The oral manifestations found in this population were pseudomembranous candidiasis, minor aphthous ulceration, delayed dental development, parotid swelling, and petechiae. 11 of the 28 patients (39.3%) had an oral finding; none of the 11 had more than 1 oral finding. 10% of the P-1 patients and 56% of the P-2 patients had an oral finding. The most common oral finding was pseudomembranous candidiasis.

Key points/Summary: Oral findings are common in pediatric HIV infection. Not surprisingly, P-2 patients have a significantly higher occurrence of oral findings than P-1 patients. Oral candidiasis is one of the most common oral complications of pediatric HIV infection.

Assessment of article: Clinically relevant – short and sweet.