Distal sensory polyneuropathy in South Africans infected with human immunodeficiency virus : a cross-sectional analysis of a community cohort
Master Thesis
2009
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Department
Faculty
License
Series
Abstract
Introduction: Distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP), the most common neurological complication of HIV infection, is related to either HIV or antiretroviral therapy (ART). Dideoxynucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as stavudine are widely used in resource-poor countries and often associated with neuropathy. The prevalence of DSP in developed countries range from 21% to 63%; little data is available from Africa. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of DSP in a South African community clinic-based population and to investigate associated risk factors. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, DSP status was determined in 598 HIV-infected adults using validated tools (Brief Peripheral Neuropathy Screen and a modified version of the Total Neuropathy Score) to categorize subjects. Symptomatic DSP required the presence of at least two neuropathic signs together with at least one symptom. Asymptomatic DSP required the presence of two neuropathic signs. Clinical, anthropometric, quality of life and laboratory evaluations were prospectively performed. Information about CD4 counts, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and questionnaires regarding previous tuberculosis (TB) and alcohol exposure was retrospectively collected Results: Approximately half (49%) of the study population were diagnosed with DSP (30% symptomatic DSP). In the ART-naïve group 37% had evidence of neuropathy (23% symptomatic) compared to 63% of the ART-exposed subjects (39% symptomatic). Overall, subjects with DSP were older (p<0.001) and had lower CD4 counts (p<0.001) compared to those without neuropathy. Previously treated TB infection (p<0.001) and ART use (p<0.001) showed strong associations with DSP. In multivariate analyses the odds (95% confidence interval) of developing DSP was independently associated with ART use (OR 1.7, 1.0-2.9), age (per 10 year increments) (OR 1.7, 1.4-2.2) and previously treated TB infection (OR 2.0, 1.3-3.0). Although stavudine significantly associated with DSP, the duration of exposure was similar irrespective of neuropathy status. Pain or paresthesia was reported by 69% of those with symptomatic DSP and rated as at least moderate to severe. ART-exposed subjects had a tendency towards lower pain scores compared to ART-naïves (p=0.032). Conclusions: DSP is a clinically significant problem in urban HIV-infected Africans. The findings of this study raise the possibility that with avoidance of stavudine-containing regimens in older subjects, especially those with a history of previously treated TB infection, the prevalence of DSP may be reduced.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 93-107).
Keywords
Reference:
Maritz, J. 2009. Distal sensory polyneuropathy in South Africans infected with human immunodeficiency virus : a cross-sectional analysis of a community cohort. University of Cape Town.