Correlation of low CD4+ counts with high dental caries prevalence in children living with perinatal HIV/AIDS undergoing antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the correlation Cluster of Differentiation 4+ (CD4+) counts with a high prevalence of dental caries in Children Living with Perinatal Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (CLWPHA). Material and Methods: An analytical observational research with a cross-sectional design was conducted at Tertiary General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. Randomized total sampling consisted of 29 CLWPHA 1-12 years old at outpatient ward Infectious Disease Intermediate Unit (UPIPI) Tertiary General Hospital Doctor Soetomo Surabaya. Demographic details and recent CD4+ counts obtained from medical records. Decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft) in primary teeth and DMFT in permanent teeth index were used. Pearson's and Spearman's Correlation test (p<0.05) were performed. Results: Dental caries prevalence was 86.2%; meanwhile, the dmft/DMFT index score found were high (8.2/6.3). CD4+ count and caries showed significant correlation (r=-0.394, p<0.05). Tooth brushing frequency with caries showed a significant correlation (r=-0.419, p<0.05). Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy and caries showed an insignificant negative correlation (p<0.05). Conclusion: The high prevalence of dental caries in CLWPHA correlated with low CD4+ counts.