Electrophysiologic study in peripheral neuropathy associated with HIV infection

Clinical and electrophysiologic features in 22 patients with HIV infection are reported. Four cases had chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy, two mononeuropathy multiplex, and nine symmetrical sensory-motor polyneuropathy. Seven cases had normal clinical and electromyographic examination. Electrophysiological study had a higher diagnostic yield (68%) than clinical examination (50%) for peripheral neuropathy diagnosis. Thus, peripheral nerve abnormalities are frequent in patients with different stages of HIV infection, although their pathogenesis remains unclear. Symmetrical sensory-motor polyneuropathy is the main type of neuropathy seen in ouvert AIDS, whereas chronic demyelinating polyneuropathy was mainly diagnosed in patients with asymptomatic HIV infection as first manifestation of the disease. Axonal or demyelinating nerve damage was established according to electrophysiological criteria. Frequently a mixture of both lesions was found. Electrophysiologic study is also a good index of neuropathy evolution in HIV infection and to follow-up of nerve abnormalities after treatment.