Indications for operation in HIV-positive patients must take into account the CD4 cell count and the type of operation.

Background: Skin manifestations are common in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but the prognostic significance of many of them is not clear. Methods: Skin disorders were studied in a cohort of 267 HIV-infected patients followed prospectively and were correlated to the CD4+ cell count. Results: Among the most specific to HIV infection, Kaposi’s sarcoma, oral hairy leukoplakia, molluscum contagiosum, xerosis and oral candidiasis were statistically associated to a low CD4+ cell count (200–300 CD4+/ mm³; p < 0.001). Kaposi’s sarcoma, oral candidiasis and molluscum contagiosum were more frequent in homosexual males (p < 0.05). Genital warts were more frequent in intravenous-drug users (p < 0.001). Conclusions: These results suggest that dermatological findings are useful clinical predictors of the presence or progression of HIV infection.

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