Evaluation of Oral Health Status as an Indicator of Disease Progression in HIV Positive Children

Objective: To evaluate the oral health status i.e., gingival condition, dental caries, oral mucosal lesions progression in a group of HIV positive children in relation to CD4 count. Method: A total of 234 HIV positive children in the age group of 2-15 years were included in the present study. Dental caries status was evaluated as per the criteria devised by WHO. Gingival condition index was used to assess and criteria given by Muhlemann was used for Papillary Bleeding scores. Plaque was assessed using the Sillness and Loe Index. The children were under active anti retroviral therapy the CD4 count of each patient was available from the hospital records. Results: Maximum dmft/defs, score was observed in individuals with CD4 count 200 - 500. Whereas highest mean DMFT/DMFS score was seen in children with CD4 count less than 200. The mean plaque, gingival and papillary bleeding score were highest in individuals with CD4 count less than 200 but the difference was statistically insignificant. Pseudomembranous candidiasis was the most observed oral lesion. Tongue was the most common site of occurrence of oral lesions in all groups. Conclusion: The study confirms that the oral health status in HIV positive children deteriorates with the decline in CD4 count.