Does the human immunodeficiency virus influence the vestibulocollic reflex pathways? A comparative study.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Virology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can affect various bodily systems, including the nervous system.
• Vestibular reflexes, such as the vestibulocollic reflex (VCR) and vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), are crucial for balance and visual stability.
• The impact of HIV and its treatments on VCR and VOR function requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare VCR and VOR functioning in individuals with and without HIV.
• To describe how vestibular test results change with HIV disease progression.
• To compare vestibular test results between HIV-positive individuals receiving and not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Main Methods:

• Study included 53 adults with HIV and 38 without HIV.
• Clinical examinations involved cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) and bithermal caloric testing.
• Data were analyzed to compare reflex functioning and correlate with disease status and treatment.

Main Results:

• Abnormal cVEMP and caloric test results were significantly more frequent in the HIV-positive group (OR = 10.2, p=0.001).
• VCR and VOR dysfunction increased with HIV disease progression.
• No significant difference in abnormal test results was observed between HIV-positive individuals receiving ART (66.7%) and those not receiving ART (63.6%).

Conclusions:

• HIV infection appears to affect vestibulocollic reflex pathways.
• Combined cVEMP and caloric testing may serve as valuable tools for early detection of neurological compromise in HIV-positive individuals.
• Further research is warranted to understand the long-term effects of ART on vestibular function.