manifestaciones orales y caries dental en niños expuestos al virus de inmunodeficiencia humana

Abstract

Objective Determining oral manifestations and dental caries amongst children exposed to the immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods Thirty-seven (n=37) children attending the Colombian AIDS Control Program (PRONASIDA-Lara) pediatric service were studied. Parents and guardians were informed about the purpose of the study and its confidentiality. An oral examination was conducted by a dentist; parents/guardians were asked about their children's history of oral manifestations and this was corroborated with their clinical charts. Results The mean age was 5.15±3.79; 62.2% were males. Ninety-eight point eight percent had become vertically infected. Most of the children were classified in the A immune suppression category (35.1%). The highest percentage (37.8%) of children were in the 15%-24% total CD4+ lymphocyte category. The most prevalent oral manifestations were oral candidiasis, angular cheilitis, linear gingival erythema and parotid enlargement. There was a significant statistical difference between percentages of CD4 lymphocytes and angular qualities (p<0.05). Forty-five point nine percent had dental caries and 54.1% were in urgent need of dental treatment. The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) showed that 3/4 of the children needed dental treatment. Conclusions The results of the study led to concluding that there was a need for an oral manifestation management-based strategy focusing on clinical and preventative treatment, as oral manifestations are frequent in children suffering from HIV infection.