HIV-Associated Peripheral Neuropathy and Antiretroviral Therapy: A Prospective Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in South India
Anagha RaoORCID iD 0009-0008-0925-5348 for Anagha Rao
- Published
- Pages
- 1–9
- DOI
- 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-25-5515 registration pending
Abstract of HIV-Associated Peripheral Neuropathy and Antiretroviral Therapy: A Prospective Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in South India
Background
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common and debilitating complication in people living with HIV (PLHIV). While HIV itself contributes to neuropathy, certain antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs, particularly nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) such as stavudine (d4T) and zidovudine (AZT), are known for their neurotoxic effects.
Objectives
To evaluate the impact of ART on HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy (HIV-PN) and to determine whether certain ART regimens increase the risk or severity of neuropathy.
Materials and Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 HIV-positive patients. Neuropathy was diagnosed using clinical criteria, Total Neuropathy Score (TNS), and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Patients were grouped based on their ART regimen, and statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between ART type and peripheral neuropathy severity.
Results
It was noted that patients on older NRTIs (stavudine, zidovudine) had significantly higher rates of peripheral neuropathy (p=0.002) and tenofovir-based regimens were associated with lower peripheral neuropathy prevalence (p=0.01). There was a significant correlation between the duration of ART exposure and peripheral neuropathy severity (p<0.001), suggesting a cumulative neurotoxic effect.
Conclusion
Older ART regimens, particularly stavudine and zidovudine, significantly contribute to HIV-PN. The study supports the WHO recommendation to phase out neurotoxic ART and highlights the importance of early ART regimen optimisation to prevent long-term neurological complications.
How to cite HIV-Associated Peripheral Neuropathy and Antiretroviral Therapy: A Prospective Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in South India
Anagha Rao. HIV-Associated Peripheral Neuropathy and Antiretroviral Therapy: A Prospective Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in South India. Journal of Clinical Research in HIV AIDS and Prevention. 2025;4(3):1-9. doi:10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-25-5515
RIS and BibTeX
TY - JOUR AU - Anagha Rao TI - HIV-Associated Peripheral Neuropathy and Antiretroviral Therapy: A Prospective Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in South India JO - Journal of Clinical Research in HIV AIDS and Prevention SN - 2324-7339 VL - 4 IS - 3 SP - 1 EP - 9 PY - 2025 DA - 2025/12/18 UR - https://www.oap-cancer.org/clinical-research-in-hiv-aids-and-prevention/article/hiv-associated-peripheral-neuropathy-and-antiretroviral-therapy-a-prospective-study-from-a-tertiary-care-centre-in-south-india-2291 PB - Open Access Pub ER -
@article{rao20252291,
author = {Anagha Rao},
title = {HIV-Associated Peripheral Neuropathy and Antiretroviral Therapy: A Prospective Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in South India},
journal = {Journal of Clinical Research in HIV AIDS and Prevention},
issn = {2324-7339},
volume = {4},
number = {3},
pages = {1--9},
year = {2025},
url = {https://www.oap-cancer.org/clinical-research-in-hiv-aids-and-prevention/article/hiv-associated-peripheral-neuropathy-and-antiretroviral-therapy-a-prospective-study-from-a-tertiary-care-centre-in-south-india-2291},
publisher = {Open Access Pub}
}