AIDS-associated Kaposi\'s Sarcoma in Sokoto, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Since the advent of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Kaposi\'s sarcoma (KS) is now seen in places not previously considered endemic for this disease. In Nigeria, the African-endemic KS had been known to be prevalent in the southern parts of the country, particularly the southeast. Until now, reports on the disease from northern Nigeria are few.
Objective: To describe the prevalence of Kaposi\'s sarcoma in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria.
Method: A retrospective review of 27 cases of histologically confirmed KS seen over an 11-year period (Jan.1994-Dec.2004) at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria. Results: The average hospital incidence of KS in this review was 2.5 cases per annum (27 ases in 11 years). The modal age was the 4th decade of life (range 18-70 years). Fifteen percent were females; M: F =5.8: 1. There was no case of childhood involvement identified. More cases of the disease were HIVpositive
(59.3%). The commonest symptom was cutaneous nodules in 96.3% of cases. The body region with the highest affectation of the lesions was the lower limb (70.4%).
Conclusion: Kaposi\'s sarcoma is still uncommon in the northwestern region of Nigeria. The epidemic variant of the disease predominates among the few cases diagnosed. The finding of nodular lesions and/or indurated leg swelling in any adult male in our environment must be considered to be KS until histologically investigated.

Keywords: Kaposi\'s sarcoma, Prevalence, Northwestern Nigeria, HIV/AIDS.

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol. 11 (3) 2008: pp. 182-185