Abstract

Background: The global HIV/AIDS epidemic, with its significant presence in Vietnam by the early 2000s, often linked to injecting drug use, prompted concern at the National Otorhinolaryngology Hospital due to a rising prevalence of HIV among ENT patients. This highlighted a need to understand their specific clinical and laboratory profiles. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate selected biochemical, hematological, and immunological parameters in these HIV-positive ENT patients to characterize their infection and identify significant laboratory alterations. Methods: This retrospective-prospective cohort study included 104 HIV-positive ENT patients from January 2010 to August 2014. HIV diagnoses were confirmed via a multi-test approach. Demographic, risk behavior, and ENT diagnosis data were collected from medical records. Biochemical, hematological, and immunological (CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8 ratio) parameters were analyzed. Results: The cohort was predominantly young adult males (85.55%), with injecting drug use as the main risk factor (79.04%). Over half (53.60%) had HIV-related ENT conditions; 46.40% were incidentally diagnosed. Biochemical analysis showed significantly elevated total protein/globulin and reduced albumin/A/G ratio (p < 0.05). Hematologically, leukopenia (7.4% males) and mild/moderate anemia (20.4% males, 33.3% females) were observed. Immunological profiling revealed significantly decreased CD4 counts (264±89.57 cells/mm³) and CD4/CD8 ratios, alongside increased CD8 counts (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: HIV-positive ENT patients in Vietnam exhibit typical demographic/risk profiles and frequent HIV-related ENT manifestations. Significant biochemical, hematological, and profound immunological abnormalities underscore HIV’s systemic impact. ENT clinics are crucial for early HIV detection, necessitating comprehensive laboratory monitoring for effective disease management.

Key words: HIV/AIDS, Otolaryngology, Biomarkers, Immune Status, Vietnam