Frequency and Characteristics of HIV-Associated Sensory Neuropathy Among HIV Patients in Bangkok, Thailand

摘要

HTV-associated sensory neuropathy (HSN) encompasses distal sensory polyneuropathy and antiretroviral toxic neuropathy with clinical features between the two that are indistinguishable. In the absence of antiretroviral (ARV) medications, HSN is as frequent as 30% among patients with AIDS. Irnmuno-suppression and higher plasma HIV RNA levels increase both risk and severity. Dideoxynucleoside reverse transcription inhibitors (dNRTIs) add additional risk that may induce or unmask underlying neuropathy. Although less frequently employed in developed'countries, dNRTIs, particularly stavudine (d4T), are commonly used in developing countries due to low cost. Here, HSN rates after initiation of predominantly d4T-containing ARV therapy range from 6% to 20.7%, with one Thai study reporting 6.9% after 48 weeks of treatment.