Ear Nose and Throat Diseases among HIV Infected Patients at Fepsi Hospital in Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Background: Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) diseases are recognized as common early presentations of HIV infection. Despite the large number of HIV infected patients worldwide, information regarding Ear Nose and Throat diseases among HIV infected patients is very limited; Objective of this survey was to determine the incidence of Ear Nose and Throat diseases among HIV infected patients at FEPSI hospital in Butembo. Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out from 1stJanuary 2017to 31stDecember2017 at FEPSI Hospital which is one of the referral hospitals involved in the management of HIV infected patients in Butembo, Eastern of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Results: The incidence of Ear Nose and Throat diseases among HIV infected patients was found to be 8.7% (25/288). Acute Rhinitis was the most frequent Ear Nose and Throat disease in our survey with 60%; Female were more affected than male with a ratio of 1.08; The age range 21- 40 and 41-60 were the most affected with 36.0% each; Housewives were more affected with 44.0%; married patients were more affected with 64.0%. Rhinorrhea was the most Ear Nose and Throat manifestation in our survey with 60%. Conclusion: Ear Nose and Throat diseases remain a big problem for HIV infected patient in Butembo city, eastern of DR of the Congo. It is important for otolaryngologists or all physicians to be aware of Ear Nose and Throat diseases, so early diagnosis and timely intervention to be instituted to improve survival rates.