Neuropathy in Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Review of the Underlying Pathogenesis and Treatment

This article explores the various causes of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and its associated neuropathy, including the effects of HIV on the nervous system and the long-standing therapy that is often provided to patients with HIV. Several studies regarding the neurotoxic effects of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and HIV were reviewed and various hypotheses were discussed. Furthermore, we present the nature of HIV-sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) among different demographic populations and their subsequent risk factors predisposing them to this condition. It was observed that the incidence of the disease increases in increased survival of the patients as well as in males. Finally, the current approach to HIV-SN and its overlapping features with other causes of peripheral neuropathy have been discussed which demonstrates that a clinical examination is the most important clue for a healthcare professional to suspect the disease. Our main aim was to study the current perspectives and guidelines for diagnosing and managing a patient with HIV-SN to reduce disease prevalence and bring about a more aware frame of mind when following up with an HIV patient.