Abstract:
INTRODUCTION : The administration of HAART* has changed
the frequency and character of the oral complications of
HIV disease.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : This study describes and compares
the incidence and status of dental caries and the
number and type of oral mucosal lesions in hospital outpatients
with these data in institutionalized children who
had accepted a dedicated oral and dental management
programme for HIV-infected patients.
DESIGN : This was a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional
study in which existing medical records were reviewed
and a clinical examination performed.
METHODS : The oral cavity of each patient was examined
by two calibrated clinicians who used mouth mirrors under
artificial light. The presence and status of dental caries
and the presence of oral soft tissue lesions were recorded
using, respectively, the WHO Oral Health Surveys Basic
Methods and the diagnostic classification and criteria for
oral soft tissue lesions associated with HIV of the ECClearinghouse.
RESULTS : Oral lesions and dental caries were significantly
higher (p<0.001) in hospital outpatients than in institutionalized
children. Caries prevalence (p = 0.002) and severity p<0.0001) were significantly higher in hospital outpatient
children receiving HAART than in those not on HAART.
CONCLUSIONS : The prevalence of oral lesions was significantly
reduced (p = 0.025) in children receiving HAART.
Caries prevalence was significantly higher in children receiving
HAART than in those not on HAART.
