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
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
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.