Otolaryngological Manifestations and Associated Biochemical, Hematological, and Immunological Profiles in HIV-Positive Patients in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND

The global HIV/AIDS epidemic, with its significant presence in Vietnam by the early 2000s, often linked to injecting drug use, prompted concern at the National Otorhinolaryngology Hospital due to a rising prevalence of HIV among ENT patients. This highlighted a need to understand their specific clinical and laboratory profiles.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically evaluate selected biochemical, hematological, and immunological parameters in these HIV-positive ENT patients to characterize their infection and identify significant laboratory alterations.

METHODS

This retrospective-prospective cohort study included 104 HIV-positive ENT patients from January 2010 to August 2014. HIV diagnoses were confirmed via a multi-test approach. Demographic, risk behavior, and ENT diagnosis data were collected from medical records. Biochemical, hematological, and immunological (CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8 ratio) parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

The cohort was predominantly young adult males (85.55%), with injecting drug use as the main risk factor (79.04%). Over half (53.60%) had HIV-related ENT conditions; 46.40% were incidentally diagnosed. Biochemical analysis showed significantly elevated total protein/globulin and reduced albumin/A/G ratio (p < 0.05). Hematologically, leukopenia (7.4% males) and mild/moderate anemia (20.4% males, 33.3% females) were observed. Immunological profiling revealed significantly decreased CD4 counts (264±89.57 cells/mm³) and CD4/CD8 ratios, alongside increased CD8 counts (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

HIV-positive ENT patients in Vietnam exhibit typical demographic/risk profiles and frequent HIV-related ENT manifestations. Significant biochemical, hematological, and profound immunological abnormalities underscore HIV's systemic impact. ENT clinics are crucial for early HIV detection, necessitating comprehensive laboratory monitoring for effective disease management.