Aids-associated kaposi's sarcoma: 22 cases

ABSTRACT

Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common acquired immune deficiency syndrome [AIDS]-associated malignancy. Our aim was to analyse the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic findings in AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma. This was a retrospective chart review of AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma diagnosed between 1991 and 2005. Epidemiological data, the stage of human immunodeficiency virus's [HIV] infection, clinical characteristics of Kaposi's sarcoma, treatment rendered and outcome were collected. The search of HHV8 was not done. Twenty two patients were included. They were 17 men and 5 females [sex-ratio=3.4/ 1] with a mean age of 33.6 years at the diagnosis of HIV infection. The Kaposi's sarcoma appeared after a period varying between 0 and 10 years. The Kaposi's sarcoma uncovered the infection in 5 cases. There were 6 homosexual men. The mean rate of CD4 was 216 21/mm3 at the diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma. All patients had skin lesions. Mucocutaneous lesions were isolated in 12 cases and associated with visceral involvement in 10 cases; lung [10 cases], gastrointestinal tract [5 cases], lymphadenopathy [5 cases], liver [4 cases], spleen [2 cases]. Antiretroviral therapy was prescribed for 13 patients. Six patients received chemotherapy and 3 others radiotherapy. Outcome was favourable in 4 cases with a partial improvement of the skin lesions in 3 cases and a complete regression in 1 case. Twelve patients died. AIDS associated Kaposi's sarcoma is a severe condition because of visceral localisations and the field of immunodeficiency. It requires a precocious diagnosis and collaboration. The identification of HHV8 in the aetiopathogenic mechanism of Kaposi's sarcoma can lead to the development new therapeutic approaches