Prevalence of co morbidities in HIV infected patients and assessment of modifications to dental treatment

Abstract

The acquired immune deficiency syndrome epidemic has changed dramatically over the last decade. Significant improvements in clinical management of the disease and advances in pharmacotherapy have changed the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, transforming it from a highly fatal disease to a chronic condition that can be managed over time. The role of dentists has been modified, in recent years, regarding dental treatment of HIV positive patients. The incidence of related HIV oral manifestations decreased and as a result of the widespread use of the new pharmacotherapies and the aging of the infected population, new co-morbidities have emerged. Consideration of co-morbidities is particularly important for health care delivery in these patients as treatment modifications may be warrantedThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of co-morbidities in HIV-infected individuals presenting to Special Care Dentistry Center, School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo and the proportion of HIV- infected patients who require modifications to their dental treatment. A secondary objective of this study is to systematically assess oral health status in HIV-infected patients across all ages. Trained oral health care providers will administer a thorough medical history questionnaire to systematically assess the prevalence and severity selected medical conditions. Once this is completed, the clinician investigators will determine whether dental treatment should be modified, and if so, specify each modification that is necessary.A randomly selected sample of 200 eligible HIV-infected adults over 18 years of age will be selected for participation in the study. The comprehensive medical history includes the following categories of data: demographic data, HIV related information, reported co-morbidities, HIV-related laboratory data (CD4 and CD8 counts and percents, HIV viral load determinations); HIV-related medication use; clinical chemistry profile of interest. The oral health examination will available the presence of oral facial manifestation, caries incidence, and periodontal diseases. Statistical analyses were performed to analyze the relation between immunity, oral manifestations and co morbidities. (AU)