Peripheral neuropathy in people living with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome on antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological complication in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) is defined as the presence of neuropathic symptoms and at least an abnormal perception of vibrations of a 128 Hz tuning fork on the great toe or abnormal ankle reflexes or both. Brief peripheral neuropathy screening (BPNS) tool is employed in identifying HIV-SN based on a directed symptom questionnaire and limited clinical examination. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and drug regimens related to peripheral neuropathy in people living with HIV and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) so as to help improve the care for those on ART. The objective was to study the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in people living with HIV and AIDS on ART using AIDS clinical trials group validated BPNS tools.Methods: Cross-sectional study on 198 HIV-seropositive cases aged above 18 years on ART attending centre of excellence (CoE) ART centre, RIMS Imphal. The presence of peripheral neuropathy was examined by using a BPNS among the participants.Results: Peripheral neuropathy was found in 46 (23.2%) out of 198 participants using BPNS. In this study a positive association between the duration of treatment with ART and use of protease inhibitor regimes with the development of peripheral neuropathy was significant.Conclusions: Peripheral neuropathy in patient with HIV and AIDS on ART had significant association with duration of treatment with ART and use of protease inhibitor combination in the ART regime.