M M Chidzonga1. 1. Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Zimbabwe, Harrare, Zimbabwe.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This article describes the clinical features and management of noma (cancrum oris) in HIV/AIDS patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight HIV/AIDS patients were studied. Clinical presentation was different in all of the cases. Conservative debridement under local anesthesia with an antibiotic was performed. RESULTS: Satisfactory resolution of the acute phase of this dangerous infection was achieved. CONCLUSION: Minimal but thorough debridement of necrotic tissue along with lavage with povidone-iodine is effective in controlling this infective process. However, long-term sequelae of noma are not possible because of the underlying HIV infection from which the patients inevitably soon succumbs.
PURPOSE: This article describes the clinical features and management of noma (cancrum oris) in HIV/AIDSpatients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight HIV/AIDSpatients were studied. Clinical presentation was different in all of the cases. Conservative debridement under local anesthesia with an antibiotic was performed. RESULTS: Satisfactory resolution of the acute phase of this dangerous infection was achieved. CONCLUSION: Minimal but thorough debridement of necrotic tissue along with lavage with povidone-iodine is effective in controlling this infective process. However, long-term sequelae of noma are not possible because of the underlying HIV infection from which the patients inevitably soon succumbs.