Clinico-epidemiologic attributes of 515 persons living with human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome on antiretroviral therapy: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care centre of North India

Abstract

Objectives: To study the clinico-epidemiologic attributes of persons living with HIV/AIDS on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Methods: Clinico-epidemiological details, CD4 counts, previous illness and mucocutaneous diseases were studied in 515 persons living with HIV/AIDS on HAART. Results: The study comprised 250 (48.5%) males and 265 (51.5%) females aged between 10 and 79 (mean 38.9) years. The 196 (38%) males were drivers, staying-alone laborers/self-employed, and 253 (49.1%) females were homemakers. All were on HAART for one month to 9 years. Heterosexual transmission was noted in 478 (92.8%) individuals. The 274 (53.5%) individuals had 200–350 CD4 cells/mm3 counts, whereas it was <200 cells/mm3 in 88 (17.2%) individuals. Candidiasis (in 48), dermatophytoses (n = 23), herpes labialis (n = 13), herpes zoster (n = 12), seborrheic dermatitis (n = 29), generalized pruritus (n = 22), and xerosis in 20 individuals were the most common dermatoses. Most dermatoses occurred with 200–350 CD4 cells/mm3. Adverse drug reactions from antiretroviral therapy (ART) and concurrent therapies also occurred. Conclusions: Although most of our patients had mild HIV-associated dermatoses while on HAART, adverse drug reactions from HAART or concurrent therapies themselves remain a potential risk. Nevertheless, knowledge of these aspects will help planning for comprehensive health care envisaged in the National AIDS Control Program phase IV.

Keywords

• acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• cd4 counts
• heterosexual transmission
• highly active antiretroviral therapy
• human immunodeficiency virus
• mucocutaneous manifestations