Evaluation of colonoscopy results in HIV infected cases

Objective: GI system plays an important role in the clinical symptoms and pathogenesis of HIV infection. Significant progress has been made towards understanding the role of the GI system in both the early and late stages of HIV infection. In this study, our aim is to evaluate the results of colonoscopy in HIV-infected patients followed up in our clinic. Material and Methods: HIV (+) cases followed in our clinic were included in our study. The computer records of the cases were retrospectively examined and the findings of the patients who underwent colonoscopy were recorded. Age, gender, CD4 values and colonoscopy results of these patients were recorded simultaneously. Results: A total of 27 HIV-infected patients who underwent colonoscopy were included in our study. The mean age of the cases was 41.2, and the rate of males was 92.6% (25/27). It was observed that the mean age of patients with colonoscopy findings was 41.8, and the mean age of those without colonoscopy findings was 41.1. It was determined that 44.4% (12/27) of our cases in total had colonoscopic findings. While normal colonoscopic findings were reported in 15 (55.6%) of patients, benign anorectal diseases (fissure, hemorrhoids) were found in 7 (25.9%) and polyps were found in 3 of them (11.1%). CMV colitis was diagnosed in 2 (7.4%) patients with pathological diagnosis. Conclusion: As a result, although the number of our cases is small, it is observed that approximately 55% of patients have normal colonoscopy findings, but those with perianal disease and polyps have a higher CD4 count than those with normal colonoscopy. It has been revealed that patients with CMV infection also have a CD4 count of <200. Studies with more patients in HIV-infected patients will contribute to the diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment preferences of the patients.