Effects of CD4 cell count and antiretroviral therapy on mucocutaneous manifestations among HIV/AIDS patients in Yunnan, China

Int J Dermatol. 2020 Mar;59(3):308-313. doi: 10.1111/ijd.14725. Epub 2019 Dec 17.

Abstract

Background: The affecting factors of mucocutaneous manifestations in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients remain unclear in China.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted among HIV/AIDS patients in Yunnan, China. The demographic data, mucocutaneous manifestations, CD4 cell counts, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens were collected. The effects of CD4 cell count and ART on the spectrum of mucocutaneous manifestations were evaluated.

Results: Among 508 HIV/AIDS patients, 86.0% of cases showed mucocutaneous manifestations. The average CD4 cell count (176 cells/μl) of the patients with manifestations was significantly lower than those without manifestations (328 cells/μl) (P < 0.001). Diseases such as herpes zoster, oral candidiasis, condyloma acuminatum, genital herpes, oral leukoplakia, talaromycosis, cryptococcosis, and HIV-PPE (pruritic papular eruption) were represented quite frequently in patients with CD4 cell count <200 cells/μl (P < 0.05), but eczema was suffered by those with CD4 cell count ≥200 cells/μl (P < 0.05). ART could decline the incidence of herpes zoster, oral candidiasis, condyloma acuminatum, genital herpes, oral leukoplakia, talaromycosis, and cryptococcosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Mucocutaneous manifestations are closely related to the CD4 cell count and can be used as early predictors of HIV/AIDS and immune status in clinic. ART could reduce the incidence of certain mucocutaneous manifestations.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / blood
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • China / epidemiology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / blood
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin Diseases / blood
  • Skin Diseases / chemically induced
  • Skin Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Skin Diseases / immunology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents