Oral manifestations among HIV infected children and adolescents in Kinshasa (DRC) and associated factors

Abstract

Objectives: To show the extent of oral manifestations in HIV-positive children and adolescents, attending hospital in Kinshasa (DRC) and identify the associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study, conducted in two pediatric hospitals in Kinshasa (DRC), from May 1, 2017 to January 15, 2018, in HIV-positive children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years. Oral manifestations were diagnosed according to the clinical criteria of Ramos-Gomez et al. Logistic regression, in univariate and multivariate analysis, expressed in Odds Ratio (OR) with their estimated 95% confidence interval, was used to search for factors associated with oral manifestations.Results: Four hundred twenty-two patients were enrolled (219 girls and 203 boys), the median age was 13 years (IQI: 10 years-16 years), 402 patients (95.3%) received ARVs; 359 patients (85.1%) had one or more oral manifestations. Dental caries was present in 161 patients (38.9%). The female sex (ORa : 2,478 ; IC à 95 % [1,30 – 4,69] ; p = 0,005) and moderate and poor oral hygiene (ORa : 4,54 ; IC à 95% [1,74 – 11,835] ; p = 0,006)  were associated factors of oral manifestations.

Conclusions: Oral manifestations in HIV positive children and adolescents are still very common in our environment, in the era of antiretroviral therapy. This requires including oral health in the care of HIV-positive children and adolescents.