Acetyl-l-carnitine and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-associated neuropathy in HIV infection.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Antiretroviral toxic neuropathy (ATN) is associated with dideoxynucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor use in patients infected with HIV, possibly as a result of mitochondrial toxicity. Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) has been linked to symptomatic improvement in ATN. We present an open-label single-arm pilot study to evaluate changes in intra-epidermal nerve fibre (IENF) density and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copies/cell among subjects treated with 3000 mg ALC daily.

Methods

Punch skin biopsies were examined at baseline and after 24 weeks of therapy. Participants reported neuropathic symptoms using the Gracely Pain Intensity Score. Neurological examinations were completed.

Results

Twenty-one subjects completed the study. ALC was generally well tolerated. The I

SUBMITTER: Valcour V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2653263 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature