APPENDICITIS IN HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS

Background: The aim of the present study was to review the experience of appendicitis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patient s. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all HIV-positive patients oper ated on for suspected acute appendicitis during a 10-year period at St Vincent's Hospital was performed. These patients were compared to a g roup of 60 age-and sex-matched patients with no HIV risk factors who w ere operated on during the same time period. Results: On presentation the clinical findings were similar in both groups, with two notable ex ceptions. No HIV-positive patient had an elevated white cell count. Th e present study demonstrated a significant delay in presentation of th e HIV-positive group to the Emergency Department, possibly explaining the higher appendiceal perforation rate in this group. There were no c ases of HIV-related diseases mimicking acute appendicitis. There was n o mortality, and morbidity was higher in the seropositive group. Concl usions: HN-positive patients with a history suggestive of acute append icitis should not be treated differently from the normal population. M orbidity and mortality can be minimized by prompt surgical treatment.