부산대학교 도서관

BACKGROUND: Kaposiʼs sarcoma is the most common form of cancer in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Although Kaposiʼs sarcoma lesions may contribute to significant physical impairments, there is a lack of scientific literature detailing the role of physiotherapy in the treatment of HIV-associated Kaposiʼs sarcoma. The present Case Report includes two males, aged 36 and 39 years, seropositive for HIV, with invasive Kaposiʼs sarcoma. METHOD AND RESULTS: Patient A was evaluated for bilateral foot pain caused by plantar surface Kaposiʼs sarcoma lesions that rendered him unable to walk. He progressed to walking 400 feet after a treatment regimen of gait training with the use of custom plastazote sandals. Patient B was evaluated for right lower extremity lymphoedema secondary to invasive Kaposiʼs sarcoma. He experienced an 18% reduction in limb volume, a 38% reduction in pain and a 20° increase in terminal knee flexion after therapeutic exercise and the use of compressive bandaging and garments. CONCLUSIONS: This Case Report suggests that physiotherapy interventions may be valuable in the conservative management of patients with HIV-associated Kaposiʼs sarcoma.