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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
HIV-associated sensory neuropathy in HIV-1 infected patients at the Douala General Hospital in Cameroon: A cross-sectional study
AIDS Research and Therapy, Volume 9, Article 35, Year 2012
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Description
Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) which is the most common neurological complication of HIV infection is under recognised and undertreated especially in resource limited settings. This ailment which has a negative impact on the quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients exists in different clinical patterns of which HIV-associated Sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) is the most common affecting up to two thirds of patients with advanced disease in some settings. In Cameroon where HIV is a major public health problem, the burden of HIV-SN has not yet been well defined.Methods: Using the Brief Peripheral Neuropathy Screening (BPNS) tool validated by the AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) we carried out a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of HIV-SN and its associated factors among HIV-1 patients at the Douala General Hospital between 1st July and 31st October 2011. HIV-SN was defined as the presence of neuropathic symptoms and at least an abnormal perception of vibrations of a 128Hz tuning fork on the great toe or abnormal ankle reflexes or both and expressed as a percentage of the study population.Results: Out of 295 patients studied, 21% had HIV-SN. In HIV-SN patients the median duration of HIV infection was 79.8 months (IQR 46 - 107.5) and their median CD4 count 153cells/μL (IQR 80 - 280). Patient recall and clinical chart review showed that, 83.9% had neuropathic symptoms prior to HAART initiation and 16.1% after HAART initiation. Low CD4 count, history of alcohol intake and history of anti-tuberculosis treatment were strongly associated with HIV-SN (AOR 2.5, 2.8 and 2.9 respectively).Conclusions: HIV-SN is common among patients with advanced HIV infection in Cameroon. This simple diagnostic tool (BPNS) should therefore be routinely used to detect those with HIV-SN or at risk so as to minimise the negative impact it has on their quality of life. © 2012 Luma et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Luma, Henry Namme
Cameroon, Douala
Douala General Hospital
Cameroon, Yaounde
Université de Yaoundé I
Tchaleu, Benjamin Clet Nguenkam
Cameroon, Douala
Douala General Hospital
Cameroon, Bangangté
Université Des Montagnes
Doualla, Marie Solange
Cameroon, Douala
Douala General Hospital
Cameroon, Yaounde
Université de Yaoundé I
Temfack, Elvis
Cameroon, Douala
Douala General Hospital
Sopouassi, Victor Nicolas K.
Cameroon, Bangangté
Université Des Montagnes
Mapoure-Njankouo, Yacouba
Cameroon, Douala
Douala General Hospital
Djientcheu, Vincent De Paul
Cameroon, Yaounde
Central Hospital of Yaounde Fmbs
Cameroon, Yaounde
Université de Yaoundé I
Statistics
Citations: 23
Authors: 7
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1742-6405-9-35
e-ISSN:
17426405
Research Areas
Disability
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Substance Abuse
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
Cameroon