Dermatological manifestations common in hospitalized HIV patients

Abstract

Results Out of total of 134 HIV-positive patients, 41 patients had cutaneous manifestations, 28 were male (68.29%) and 13 female (31.70%). Most patients were in the age group 16-30 years (58.53%). The majority of patients belonged to the urban area (65.85%) and had a low educational and socioeconomic status (only 56.09% patients graduated secondary school; 82.92% of the patients were unemployed). The prevailing route of transmission was parenteral (41.46%), most patients had stage C3 HIV disease (56.09%), and only 24.39% of patients had undetectable viral load. Most patients were undergoing ARV regimen (80.48%), 12.19% were naive and 7.31% had ceased therapy. 17 patients had 2 concomitant dermatological manifestations (41.46%), while 13 were treated for only one skin disease (31.70%); 19.51% patients were diagnosed with 3 concurrent dermatological diseases and 7.31% with 4 simultaneous skin disorders. The most common HIV-related dermatological manifestations were oral candidiasis (78.04%), seborrheic dermatitis (14.63%), lipodystrophy (12.19%), tinea corporis (7.31%), herpes zoster (4.87%), syphilis (4.87%) and cellulitis (4.87%). CD4 counts ranged between 2-1551 cells/μL, with a mean CD4 of 139 cells/μL. Oral candidiasis was correlated with a mean CD4 count of 305 cells/μL, seborrheic dermatitis was related to a mean CD4 of 233 cells/μL, while lipodystrophy was associated with a mean CD4 of 202 cells/μL.