SEVERE COMPLICATIONS OF PERIANAL SEPSIS IN PATIENTS WITH HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS

Fifty human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with perian al sepsis were studied, Seven (14 per cent) had serious septic complic ations, four patients with severe necrotizing gangrene,and three with abscesses in the mediastinum, liver and brain respectively. CD4(+) lym phocyte counts were significantly lower in patients with severe septic complications as compared with those with uncomplicated perianal seps is (P<0.05). In patients with HIV presenting with rare (metastatic) ab scesses, perianal sepsis must always be kept in mind as a possible foc us, Although HIV-infected patients have a limited life expectancy peri anal fistulas and abscesses should be aggressively treated, because of the high risk of severe complications.