Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) in HIV-infected individuals.

Methods: This prospective, single-center study included a total of 50 patients with confirmed HIV diagnosis, aged between 18 and 65, who applied to the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology outpatient clinic of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Hospital between April 2022-December 2022. Demographic, clinical and laboratory findings of the patients were recorded from the hospital automation system. Electromyography (EMG) was performed on the patients to investigate the presence of PN. The “Douleur Neuropathique 4” (DN4) questions pain scale was applied.

Results: Forty-four (88.0%) patients were male and 6 (12.0%) were female. The mean age was 37.5±4.0 years. Of the patients, 35 (70%) were heterosexual, 12 (24%) were homosexual, and 3 (6%) were bisexual. The mean CD4⁺ T lymphocyte cell count of the patients was 675.96±271.91 cells/mm³. Forty-six (92.0%) of the patients were HIV-RNA negative and 4 (8%) patients were HIV-RNA positive. Peripheral neuropathy was detected in 17 (34%) of the patients. Eight (47.1%) of 17 patients with PN had symptoms. Peripheral neuropathy was found to be higher in female patients, patients aged 45-65 years, and patients who were primary school graduates (respectively; p=0.014, p<0.001, p=0.009). All patients (100%) scored 4 or less according to the DN4 pain scale.

Conclusion: HIV-associated PN continues to be a common neurological complication of HIV infection. It is important for clinicians to be aware of PN’s seen in HIV infection. Rapid diagnosis and recognition of these patients is important to reduce morbidity and mortality outcomes.