Neuromuscular complications in HIV

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection impacts multiple organs, notably the nervous system, leading to complex neurological complications.
• HIV-associated neuropathy and myopathy are significant challenges, occurring across all disease stages and impacting patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of various neuropathies and myopathies in HIV-infected individuals.
• To consolidate current knowledge on HIV-associated neurological disorders for clinicians and researchers.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes information from existing literature on HIV-associated neuropathy and myopathy.
• Key diagnostic methods discussed include clinical evaluation, serum creatine kinase levels, electromyography, and muscle biopsy.

Main Results:

• Distal symmetrical polyneuropathy is the most prevalent neuropathy in HIV infection; its primary pathogenesis remains unclear.
• Other neuropathies include toxic, inflammatory demyelinating, progressive polyradiculopathy, and mononeuritis multiplex.
• HIV myopathy presents as symmetrical proximal muscle weakness, often with moderately elevated creatine kinase levels.

Conclusions:

• Effective management strategies for HIV-associated neuropathy and myopathy are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Treatment modalities for myopathy include corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and intravenous immunoglobulin.
• Further research into the pathogenesis of primary HIV neuropathy is warranted.