Diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm in patients with HIV/AIDS and Kaposi's sarcoma

Abstract

Introduction: In the province of Santiago de Cuba, an increase in the clinical association of Kaposi's sarcoma in people living with HIV/AIDS has been observed in recent years, hence the importance of timely diagnosis in local health systems.

Objectives: Characterize epidemiological, clinical and laboratory aspects in the reference population and the design and implementation of algorithms for the diagnosis and treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma in people living with HIV/AIDS.

Methods: A descriptive study of case series and technological development was carried out in patients with HIV/AIDS, diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma, with clinical-oncological, humoral and immunological follow-up, carried out at the “Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso”, from the province of Santiago de Cuba, in the period from January 2018 to April 2022.

Results: 86.6 % of the patients were male, aged between 25 and 44 years of age. Skin lesions with associated pain predominated. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and lactate dehydrogenase were the analytes with the greatest variation. Immunological parameters showed a significant deterioration. Of the total sample, six patients died (40.0 %). The modeling and practical implementation of the algorithms was effective and safe.

Conclusions: It is demonstrated that the clinical association of Kaposi's sarcoma and HIV/AIDS occurred in young men, with clinical immunological deterioration and high mortality; the implementation of the diagnostic and treatment algorithm managed to establish comprehensive follow-up of patients diagnosed in the territory.