[HIV-1 associated autonomic dysfunction (HIVAD)]

In a controlled prospective study we used peripheral autonomic surface potentials (PASP) and an autonomic test battery (valsalva, 30:15 ratio, deep breathing, sustained handgrip, Schellong test) to evaluate HIV-1 associated autonomic dysfunction (HIVAD) in 38 HIV-seropositive patients. Criteria of exclusion were drug or alcohol abuse, concurrent infections, neoplasms, wasting syndrome and neurotoxic medication. We found increased PASP onset latencies and lower PASP amplitudes even in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients (p < 0.0125, Bonferroni corrected p-value). A mild or marked HIVAD was detected in 21% of the patients each. Heart rate and blood pressure responses were similarly affected. HIVAD was not related to HIV-1 associated changes in sural and tibial nerve conduction parameters. Our data suggest that HIVAD is a frequent complication of HIV-1 infection and that HIV-1 plays a direct role in its pathogenesis. Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS appear to be similarly affected.