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Cariogenic potential of medications used in treatment of children with HIV infection
Author(s) -
Subramaniam Priya,
Kumar Krishna
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
special care in dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.328
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1754-4505
pISSN - 0275-1879
DOI - 10.1111/scd.12041
Subject(s) - medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , intensive care medicine , family medicine
In children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) commences at a very young age. These drugs are administered over a prolonged period and could be a possible risk factor for dental caries in these children. Objectives To assess endogenous pH, titratable acidity and type and concentration of sugars present in drugs used in treatment of HIV‐infected children. Study design Eleven drugs that are regularly prescribed to treat HIV infection in children (antiretrovirals, antibacterial, antifungal) were selected. The endogenous pH and titratable acidity of each drug was assessed. Type and concentration of sugars present in these medications was estimated using thin layer chromatography. Results Medications were mostly in syrup form and their pH ranged from 2.27 to 7.98. Titratable acidity varied between 0.01 to 0.37 mmol. Sucrose was present in all medications, and more than 60 g% of sucrose was present in anti‐acterial and antifungal preparations. Conclusion The physical properties and sugar content of medications used in ART pose a risk to dental health of children.