Gender differences in AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma in Harare, Zimbabwe

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2007 Mar 1;44(3):306-8. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31802c83d9.

Abstract

Reasons for gender-related differences in the risk of AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS-KS) are unknown. Four hundred thirty-eight male and 166 female AIDS-KS patients were evaluated in Harare, Zimbabwe. Female patients were younger than male patients in this study (median of 33 vs. 38 years; P < 0.001), mirroring the epidemiology of AIDS in Zimbabwe. In a multivariate model adjusted for CD4 T-cell count, age, prior radiation treatment, and chemotherapy, women were more likely to report fever, diaphoresis, or weight loss (odds ratio = 1.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 2.7; P = 0.009). These findings suggest an increased severity of KS or other unidentified infections among women with AIDS-KS in Zimbabwe.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / physiopathology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Fever
  • Gender Identity
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / physiopathology*
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Sweating
  • Weight Loss
  • Zimbabwe