CD4 cells count as a prognostic marker in HIV patients with comparative analysis of various studies in Asia Pacific region.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between CD4+ cells count with orofacial and systemic manifestations in newly diagnosed HIV seropositive patients and comparison of results with the previous studies.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Hundred (100; 57 males and 43 females) newly diagnosed HIV seropositive patients, before starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) were included in the study. These patients were clustered according to CD4+ cells count into three groups: 0-200 cells/mm3, 201-499 cells/mm3, and more than 500 cells/mm3. Orofacial and systemic manifestations of these patients were recorded and correlated with CD4 cells count values.

RESULTS

There was no significant correlation found between CD4+ cells count values of males and females using independent t-test. Chi-square test showed significant correlation between the systemic manifestations and CD4+ cells count categories. Tuberculosis was found to be the most common systemic manifestation in both the genders. In addition, a significant correlation was between the CD4+ cells count and orofacial manifestations, where oral candidiasis was found to be the most common manifestation in both the genders.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of systemic and orofacial manifestations increases with decrease in the CD4+ cells count of HIV seropositive patients. Hence, it can be used as diagnostic and prognostic marker for immune suppression in HIV positive patients.