The potential impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the treatment and epidemiology of ranula in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study's aim was to assess the potential therapeutic effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on ranulas in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients.

STUDY DESIGN: The study includes a retrospective observation of 3 patients who were initially part of a prospective study on the comparative effect of HAART on ranulas in 14 HIV-positive patients. These patients were clinically monitored while pursuing the medical treatment with HAART. Neither a fine needle aspiration nor a surgical procedure was performed. Clinical photographs were used for monitoring of any reduction in the ranula size. The effect of HAART on ranula was assessed at 3, 6 and 12 month.

RESULTS: A complete resolution of the ranula lesion was noticed in the 3 HIV-positive selected patients. These results were observed between 6 and 12 months period.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that HAART might present a potential therapeutic effect on ranula in HIV-positive patients.