Peripheral neuropathy in individuals with HIV infection in Zimbabwe

Peripheral neuropathy is associated with HIV infection. The prevalence and types of peripheral neuropathy encountered in a randomly-selected HIV infected African population at different stages of disease were investigated. HIV positive individuals were categorized into 1 of 3 groups: asymptomatic, symptomatic and AIDS. HIV negative individuals formed the control group. Nerve conduction data were obtained using standard electrophysiological procedures and CD4⁺ levels were measured. The type of neuropathy was determined from the history, clinical presentation and electrophysiological abnormalities. The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 44%: subclinical neuropathy (SCN) accounted for 56%, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) for 15% and distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) for 22% of cases of neuropathy. SCN was found in all categories whereas AIDP predominated in the symptomatic category and DSPN in individuals with AIDS. The pattern and frequency of neuropathies seen in our African population is similar to that reported from other continents.