Current HIV ResearchCurrent HIV ResearchCurrent HIV Research1570-162X1873-4251Bentham Science64397610.2174/011570162X271270231215101009MedicineResearch ArticleThe Upper-gastrointestinal Endoscopic Findings of People Living with HIV: A Systematic ReviewSeyedAlinaghiSeyedAhmadinfo@benthamscience.netMehraeenEsmaeilinfo@benthamscience.netSakiSobhaninfo@benthamscience.netFathi AmrollahMasoomehinfo@benthamscience.netSanaatiFoziyeinfo@benthamscience.netVarshochiSanazinfo@benthamscience.netMahrokhiSonainfo@benthamscience.netKarimiElahehinfo@benthamscience.netMatiniParisainfo@benthamscience.netAliZohainfo@benthamscience.netSiamiHalehinfo@benthamscience.netMirzapourPegahinfo@benthamscience.netJanfazaNazanininfo@benthamscience.netDadrasOmidinfo@benthamscience.netIranian Research Center for HIV/AIDS, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Health Information Technology, Khalkhal University of Medical sciencesSchool of medicine, Islamic Azad UniversityReproductive Health, School of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences, Maragheh University of Medical SciencesSchool of medicine, Tehran University of Medical SciencesSchool of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical SciencesSchool of medicine, Iran University of Medical SciencesSchool of Medicine, Islamic Azad UniversityDepartment of Internal Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen01012024221162607012025Copyright ©; 2024, Bentham Science Publishers2024Bentham Science Publishershttps://journals.eco-vector.com/1570-162X/article/view/643976

Objective::This article aimed to analyze upper endoscopic findings in the HIV patient population to elucidate the upper-gastrointestinal complications related to HIV infection. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in individuals living with HIV/AIDS exhibit diverse and often nonspecific manifestations, imposing substantial morbidity and mortality burdens. Endoscopic evaluation with biopsies is essential in the diagnosis and management of these conditions. Delayed treatment due to undetected GI abnormalities during endoscopic examinations can lead to poorer health outcomes.

Methods::This systematic review has determined the findings of upper-GI endoscopy of HIV-infected patients. Online databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Jisc Library Hub Discover, and Library of Congress have been searched using relevant keyword combinations. We have retrieved all the pertinent papers and reports published in English and screened them against inclusion/exclusion criteria for data extraction in two steps. First, titles/abstracts have been evaluated and then full-text screening has been performed by independent researchers. This study has adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist.

Results::In this review, 24 articles have been included in the final analysis. The study has focused on the characteristics of participants and the findings of endoscopic evaluations. The participants of the study have been HIV-positive patients, and the majority of them have undergone endoscopy due to gastrointestinal symptoms. The biopsy regions primarily targeted have been observed to be the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The most common result of the biopsy specimens has been chronic active gastritis.

Conclusion::To improve clinical practice, this systematic review sought to provide an up-to-date reference for upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings of HIV-infected persons. Our results are in line with earlier research showing how effective endoscopy is for determining a precise diagnosis and directing care. The majority of HIV patients with gastrointestinal symptoms have been found to have opportunistic infections and persistent active gastritis as well as mucosal abnormalities of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that endoscopic and histological assessment can aid in the early detection and management of issues involving the upper gastrointestinal tract.

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