A retrospective analysis of oral hairy leukoplakia in South Australia

Abstract

Background: The features of oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) have been widely reported in the literature. However, no studies have described this lesion in the Australian setting. This study retrospectively examines, with respect to specific clinical factors, the prevalence of OHL in a South Australian HIV-infected population. Methods: Clinical data were collected from the records of 197 HIV-infected patients who had attended the Adelaide Dental Hospital between January 1986 and February 1995. Data were analysed using the chi-square test. Results: The prevalence of OHL in South Australian HIV-infected patients was 45.2 per cent. The study found the presence of OHL was not related to CD4+ T-lymphocyte count or AIDS-defining illness nor did the length of time a patient had been infected with HIV relate to the presence of OHL. An association was observed between a reduced prevalence of OHL in patients who were taking antiviral medication. Conclusion: The prevalence of OHL in South Australia is comparable with results of other studies. This study supports the notion that OHL is not an indicator of immunosuppression in South Australian HIV-infected patients. Further longitudinal studies are required to ascertain the relationship of OHL to HIV disease progression.