Incidence of kaposi's sarcoma and associated mortality in Fresno, California, 1998 to 2012

Abstract

Objective: The incidence of Kaposis sarcoma (KS) decreased dramatically after the introduction of highly active antiretroviraltherapy (HAART). This study determined the ongoing incidence of and mortality from KS in HIV-infected adults from 1998-2012in Fresno County, California. The role of virologic control and immune reconstitution was assessed. Methods: Incident caseswere identified from the state Electronic HIV/AIDS Reporting System (EHARS), the California Cancer Registry, and hospitalrecords of the county HIV treatment center. Results: From 1998-2012, the average incidence of KS was 0.51 cases per 100,000person-years. Of the 66 cases of KS there were 20 deaths, with 85% of the mortality occurring in the first 12 months. Amongpatients on HAART achieving HIV RNA <400 copies/uL, but with a <50 cell/uL increase in CD4 count there was no improvementin mortality. Conclusions: The incidence of KS remains stable since 1998 with a 12-month mortality of 30%.