Clinical Evaluation of Kaposi Sarcoma in HIV/AIDS Patients With Orofacial Lesions in Enugu, Nigeria

Purpose

To highlight the association of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) with HIV/AIDS in patients of the oral and maxillofacial surgery units of 2 specialist hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria.

Patients and Methods

The case notes of 112 patients who had HIV/AIDS lesions in the orofacial region were retrieved from the medical records department of 2 specialist hospitals. After studying the biopsy results, attention was focused on 33 patients (27 male and 6 female; age range, 10 to 59 years) who had KS. We studied the clinical, histopathologic, and therapeutic aspects of these AIDS-related KS cases over a period of 4 years, from January 2000 to December 2003.

Results

There were 33 cases of KS and they ranged highest out of the total number of cases (112) cases that had HIV/AIDS. The male-to-female ratio was 4.5:1. At the time of initial presentation, all 33 patients were in stages III and IV of the disease. Late presentation and treatment by “fake” medical doctors were responsible for this situation. They all died within 1 to 18 months after commencement of therapy.

Conclusion

KS is strongly associated with HIV/AIDS in our environment. We are of the opinion that the responsible authorities in Nigeria must endeavor to educate their citizens about safe sexual conduct and appropriate health-seeking behavior.