Screening for HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy in resource-limited settings.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurological complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection but is widely under-diagnosed in resource-limited settings. We investigated the utility of screening tools administered by nonphysician healthcare workers (HCW) and quantitative sensory testing (QST) administered by trained individuals for identification of moderate/severe neuropathy.

Methods

We enrolled 240 HIV-infected outpatients using 2-stage cluster randomized sampling. HCWs administered the several screening tools. Trained study staff performed QST. Tools were validated against a clinical diagnosis of neuropathy.

Results

Participants were 65% women, mean age 36.4 years, median CD4 324 cells/μL. A total of 65% were taking antiretrovirals

SUBMITTER: Cettomai D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4019398 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature