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Autonomic dysfunction in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection
M Shahmanesh1, C S Bradbeer, A Edwards
1Department of Genitourinary Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital, London.
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is common in men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These autonomic abnormalities, particularly sympathetic overactivity, are linked to neurological complications in HIV infection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Autonomic Nervous System
Background:
- Autonomic dysfunction is a potential complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- Understanding autonomic nervous system (ANS) function in HIV is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate autonomic function in male homosexual individuals with and without HIV antibodies.
- To characterize the nature of autonomic abnormalities in HIV-positive individuals.
Main Methods:
- Autonomic function tests were performed on 40 HIV-positive and 12 HIV-negative homosexual men.
- Patients with other known causes of autonomic dysfunction were excluded.
Main Results:
- Abnormalities in autonomic function were detected in 15 of 31 HIV-positive patients without other causes.
- The pattern of abnormalities suggested sympathetic overactivity, differing from diabetic autonomic neuropathy.
- Autonomic dysfunction was more prevalent in patients with neurological complications of HIV.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection is associated with significant autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
- Sympathetic overactivity is a key feature of autonomic dysfunction in HIV.
- Neurological complications of HIV infection correlate with autonomic abnormalities.