Radiographic imaging of sinusitis in HIV infection

Bacterial Infections in Adult HIV-Infected Patients

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to critically review articles published from the pre-HAART era to the present on bacterial infections in adult HIV-infected patients.

METHOD

Literature search on bacterial infections in HIV-infected patients yields predominantly small case series from single centers, many of which are retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

Variations in case selection limit the utility of these articles for assessing the epidemiology and clinical features of a particular infection. Nonetheless, numerous articles indicate that certain bacterial infections occur most often when CD4 cell counts are < 200/mm3. In the pre-HAART era, others suggest that PcP prophylaxis with TMP/SMX and MAC prophylaxis with macrolides reduced rates of several bacterial infections. Since the advent of HAART, however, some articles suggest that the incidence of various infections has declined and that withdrawal of OI prophylaxis in patients who have had HAART restoration of CD4 cell counts has not led to an increase in certain bacterial infections.

CONCLUSION

This review suggests that bacterial infections may have declined in the HAART era, as multicenter cohort studies have shown to be the case with AIDS-associated OIs. Nonetheless, preventive measures such as pneumococcal vaccination and smoking cessation remain effective strategies.

Sinonasal disease and olfactory impairment in HIV disease: endoscopic sinus surgery and outcome measures

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of ESS (ESS) on olfactory impairment, disease-specific symptoms, and general quality of well-being In HIV+ patients with sinonasal disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Study 1: Nasal cytology, rhinomanometry, nasal examination including endoscopy, disease-specific sinonasal symptoms, olfactory threshold sensitivity, and odor identification testing were performed before and after ESS in HIV+ patients with sinonasal complaints. Study 2: Quality of well-being was assessed before and after ESS in HIV+ patients with sinonasal complaints and controls.

RESULTS

Significant olfactory sensitivity loss persisted for patients with chronic sinusitis after ESS, suggesting that the impairment in these patients may be due to viral disease rather than inflammation. Significant improvement in other disease-specific symptom scores (nasal obstruction, nasal congestion, headache, sinus pain, etc.) and results of the general quality of well-being assessment showed ESS to be beneficial in the extended health management of HIV illness.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study indicated both olfactory dysfunction and subjective negative symptoms in HIV+ patients with chronic sinusitis. Although olfactory dysfunction remained, ESS was successful in providing marked alleviation of symptomatology in HIV+ patients with chronic sinusitis. The results support ESS as an appropriate treatment option for HIV+ patients with chronic sinusitis.

Sinusitis in HIV-infected patients

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively review the clinical, radiographic and laboratory characteristics, the therapy and evolution of sinusitis in HIV-infected patients hospitalized between January 1, 1985 and July 31, 1994. We have observed 65 cases of sinusitis in 58 HIV-infected patients (77.6% classified as group C). Forty-five of 65 cases (69.2%) showed radiographic evidence of acute sinusitis; the remaining 20 cases (30.8%) showed chronic sinusitis. In 61 cases (93.8%) there were symptoms related to sinusitis. In 61 sinusitis cases antibiotics were administered. Although the majority of patients responded at least partially to antibiotic therapy, a complete resolution of clinical and radiographic signs was observed in only 47.4% of acute sinusitis cases. No resolution was observed in chronic sinusitis after treatment stop. Sinusitis appears to occur quite frequently in HIV-infected patients, is often related to non-specific symptoms, may be recurrent and is commonly refractory to treatment.

The Management of Sinusitis in Patients Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

As the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has extended its influence across the United States, otolaryngologists have been increasingly called upon to manage its various head and neck manifestations. Sinusitis is a very prevalent, yet difficult, management problem in this patient population. The pathophysiology of sinusitis in this setting relates to altered helper T-lymphocyte function, an abnormal inflammatory response as well as increased IgE-mediated inflammation. Chronic HIV-related sinusitis is often due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or anaerobic bacteria, and empiric antibiotic therapy must include these potential pathogens. Early cultures can facilitate organism-specific antibiotic therapy. Aggressive treatment with decongestants, topical nasal steroids, mucoevacuants and occasionally antihistamines should be included at maximal tolerated doses. When medical therapy fails, surgical drainage can be a safe and effective management option.

Appropriately directed medical, and occasionally surgical, therapy can lead to a dramatic clinical response and provide an improved quality of life in this patient population.