RISK FACTORS FOR KAPOSI SARCOMA IN HIV INFECTED PATIENTS

Introduction. Kaposi Sarcoma is a disease that was considered very rare previous to the AIDS pandemic. Incidence for Kaposi Sarcoma in the general population is estimated at 0.02% in Europe and 3-9% in Africa, while for the HIV infected people, the incidence of the disease is much higher. Objectives. The present study had as objective the determination of the risk factors for KS and the prevalence of KS in HIV infected patients from the Constanta HN/AIDS Regional Centre. Material and method. We have conducted a retrospective study on a sample of 956 HIV+ patients that were registered at the Regional Centre. Results. Of the 956 HIV infected patients, 14 were diagnosed with Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) (prevalence-1.46%). The disease was more common in male (M/F= 1311), age of the patients range between 21-54 years (mean -39.8 years). KS was the first manifestation of HIV/AIDS in 12 cases; all patients were included in C3 cluster. The most common location was cutaneous (7 cases) and 3 patients were diagnosed with visceral KS. Under antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, evolution was favourable for 8 patients (Mo=42,8%). One relapse was noticed, for a patient with Visceral KS. Conclusions. Prevalence of KS in HIV infected patients from Constanta Regional Centre was 1.46%. From the risk factors, we can mention male gender, age> 40 years, urban environment, low social and economic level, smoking, history for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The ARV treatment had a positive impact in the evolution of KS for these patients. Nadir CD4 value was an important predictive factor, and together with ARV therapy, has influenced the evolution of this disease.