Hospital course of HIV-positive patients with odontogenic infections

Abstract

Objective: The study purpose was to compare and contrast the hospital course of patients who are human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) and human immunodeficiency virus-negative (HIV–) who were admitted to manage their odontogenic infection. Study Design: We used a retrospective case-control study design and a sample derived from patients admitted for management of their odontogenic infections. Cases and controls were defined as patients who were HIV+ or HIV–, respectively. HIV status was determined by patient self-report. Outcome variables included admission temperature (degrees Celsius) and white blood cell count, number of fascial spaces infected, days with temperature >38°C, need for intensive care, and length of hospital stay. Results: The study sample consisted of 60 patients (10 HIV+ cases and 50 HIV– controls matched for age and sex) with a mean age of 32.8 ± 6.6 years and was predominately male (78%). Significant differences existed between patients who were HIV+ and those who were HIV– for the following variables: admission white blood cell count, number of days with maximum temperature >38.0°C, and use of the intensive care unit. Conclusions: The study results suggest that patients who are HIV+ who are admitted for management of odontogenic infection have a significantly more intense hospital course than those who are HIV–. However, the overall length of hospital stay is not significantly different. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2001;91:23-7)