HIV distal sensory polyneuropathy
Last reviewed 01/2018
- estimated that 15% to 62% of patients with human immunodeficiency virus
infection suffer from distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP):
- results either from HIV-associated immune and viral protein-mediated neurotoxicity or
- from neurotoxic dideoxynucleoside antiretroviral therapy (ARV)
- severe, chronic pain from HIV associated DSP
- can have a profound negative effect on the physical, emotional, and functional health of the patient with HIV/AIDS
- treatment options:
- symptomatic
- there is evidence regarding the efficacy of a high-concentration capsaicin patch reducing pain in patients with HIV neuropathy
- symptomatic
Reference:
- 1. Simpson D et al. An Open-Label Pilot Study of High-Concentration Capsaicin Patch in Painful HIV Neuropathy. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2008; 35 (3): 299-306
- 2. Simpson DM, Brown S, Tobias J; NGX-4010 C107 Study Group. Controlled trial of high-concentration capsaicin patch for treatment of painful HIV neuropathy.Neurology. 2008 Jun 10;70(24):2305-13