European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Background and Objectives: There is a rapid increase in the incidence of HIV/AIDS among children. Proportionally, there is a rise in mucocutaneous involvement in this population. Mucocutaneous manifestations can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study was done to note the different mucocutaneous lesions present among pediatric HIV population attending NMCH&RC, Raichur and their relation to CD4 counts.
Methodology: 214 consecutive HIV-positive children attending the OPD, at a tertiary hospital and research centre, between January 2015 to June 2016 were screened for presence of any mucocutaneous lesions and 100 children were included in the study. CD4 count was done in all of them along with other relevant investigations.
Results: Among 100 patients there were 118 mucocutaneous manifestations noted with overlap in a few. Prevalence of mucocutaneous manifestation was 47%. M:F ratio was 2:1. Majority of patients belonged to 5-14 year age group. Among mucocutaneous manifestations, pruritic papular eruption was commonest followed by viral and bacterial infections. The majority of patients had CD4 count <25%.
Conclusion: Mucocutaneous manifestations in pediatric HIV population are common and have varied presentations. Mucocutaneous manifestations were common at lower CD4 levels. Mucocutaneous manifestations can be taken as marker for disease progression.