Dermatologic findings in HIV-1-infected patients: a prospective study with emphasis on CD4+ cell count.

BACKGROUND

Skin manifestations are common in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but the prognostic significance of may of them is not clear.

METHODS

Skin disorders were studied in a cohort of 267 HIV-infected patients followed prospectively and were correlated to the CD4+ cell count.

RESULTS

Among the most specific to HIV infection, Kaposi's sarcoma, oral hairy leukoplakia, molluscum contagiosum, xerosis and oral candidiasis were statistically associated to a low CD4+ cell count (200-300 CD4+/mm3; p < 0.001). Kaposi's sarcoma, oral candidiasis and molluscum contagiosum were more frequent in homosexual males (p < 0.05). Genital warts were more frequent in intravenous-drug users (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that dermatological findings are useful clinical predictors of the presence or progression of HIV infection.