Kaposi’s sarcoma in children in cameroon before and during the HIV epidemic

Background Kaposi’s sarcoma was endemic in Cameroon before the AIDS epidemic, involving lymph node, with poor prognosis. With the onset of AIDS, increased frequency of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) has been reported. However, studies in sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. Patients and methods This retrospective study included 60 cases of children with Kaposi’s sarcoma observed in Cameroon within a period of 23 years. The study analyzed the demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory investigations, treatment and prognosis. Results The demographic results showed 41 males and 19 females. The mean age was 5.5 years. Lymph node was the most common site of involvement and the diagnosis of early cases was not easy. Skin lesions were found amongst 20% of the children. HIV serology was performed only in 50% of the cases as the parents usually refused testing. Out of 50% of performed tests, 20% of the children were HIV positive. The treatment for KS included chemotherapy and was based on cyclophosphamide, anthracycline and prednisone. The chemotherapy was associated with HAART when the child was HIV positive. The prognosis of HIV negative children after treatment was better than in HIV positive children. Conclusion Children with Kaposi’s sarcoma in Cameroon is a common finding before and during AIDS epidemic.