Spectrum of clinical diseases in HIV-infected adults at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital: a five-year experience [1992-1996]

Abstract

The study was conducted to document the spectrum of clinical diseases in HIV infected patients at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) over a period of five years: 1992-1996. Patients with symptoms suggestive of HIV infection in both in and out-patients at LUTH were studied. Their blood specimens were screened for HIV infection using enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA) technique and positive results were confirmed by western blotting techniques. The following were documented: risk factors, clinical history and physical findings. Of the 5,010 patients screened in a five-year period, 759 (15.15%) were found to be HIV positive. Of these 759 patients, 406 (53.5%) were young adults in their third decade (20-30 years). Heterosexual intercourse was the major risk factor in these patients (76%). Progressive loss of weight occurred in 77.8%, prolonged fever in 73%, chronic cough in 50%, painless lymphadenopathy in 40%, chronic diarrhoea in 35%, Kaposi's sarcoma in 0.52% and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 0.65%. It appears the scourge of AIDS has eventually hit Nigeria. There is the need for reinvigoration of preventive efforts but some energy has to be channeled towards patient care.