Predictors of worsening neuropathy and neuropathic pain after 12 years in people with HIV.

TitlePredictors of worsening neuropathy and neuropathic pain after 12 years in people with HIV.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsEllis, RJ, Diaz, M, Sacktor, N, Marra, C, Collier, AC, Clifford, DB, Calcutt, N, Fields, JA, Heaton, RK, Letendre, SL
Corporate AuthorsCNS Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) Study Group
JournalAnn Clin Transl Neurol
Volume7
Issue7
Pagination1166-1173
Date Published2020 07
ISSN2328-9503
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) and neuropathic pain are important clinical concerns in virally suppressed people with HIV. We determined how these conditions evolved, what factors influenced their evolution, and their clinical impact.METHODS: Ambulatory, community-dwelling HIV seropositive individuals were recruited at six research centers. Clinical evaluations at baseline and 12 years later determined neuropathy signs and distal neuropathic pain (DNP). Additional assessments measured activities of daily living and quality of life (QOL). Factors potentially associated with DSP and DNP progression included disease severity, treatment, demographics, and co-morbidities. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated for follow-up neuropathy outcomes.RESULTS: Of 254 participants, 21.3% were women, 57.5% were non-white. Mean baseline age was 43.5 years. Polyneuropathy prevalence increased from 25.7% to 43.7%. Of 173 participants initially pain-free, 42 (24.3%) had incident neuropathic pain. Baseline risk factors for incident pain included unemployment (OR [95% CI], 5.86 [1.97, 17.4]) and higher baseline body mass index (BMI) (1.78 [1.03, 3.19] per 10-units). Participants with neuropathic pain at follow-up had significantly worse QOL and greater dependence in activities of daily living than those who remained pain-free.INTERPRETATION: HIV DSP and neuropathic pain increased in prevalence and severity over 12 years despite high rates of viral suppression. The high burden of neuropathy included disability and poor life quality. However, substantial numbers remained pain-free despite clear evidence of neuropathy on exam. Protective factors included being employed and having a lower BMI. Implications for clinical practice include promotion of lifestyle changes affecting reversible risk factors.

DOI10.1002/acn3.51097
Alternate JournalAnn Clin Transl Neurol
PubMed ID32619341
PubMed Central IDPMC7359117
Grant ListHHSN271201000030C / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
HHSN271201000036C / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
K01 MH115819 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
N01 MH022005 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
R01 MH107345 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
L60 MD013161 / MD / NIMHD NIH HHS / United States