Title: A Study of Neurological Manifestations of HIV in a Tertiary Care Centre

Authors: Dr T L Narayana Geetha, Dr Azma Naaz, Dr. Y G Sundara Raju

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i11.139

Abstract

Introduction: Neurological manifestations of HIV consists of CNS complications caused directly by HIV, and include cognitive disorders and other CNS disease such as myelopathy and the demyelinating neuropathies and the secondary disorders caused by opportunistic infections, neoplasm, cerebrovascular events, as also the effects of metabolic derangements and medications. 

Aims And Objectives

  • To study the spectrum of neurological manifestations in HIV infected subjects.
  • To study the correlation of neurological manifestations with CD4

Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted in 100 HIV patients admitted in King George Hospital, in whom  a detailed history and clinical evaluation done, after an informed consent from the patient or relative.  

Study Period: October2017 to September 2019

Inclusion Criteria: All HIV Patients admitted at king George hospital in medical and neurology wards

Exclusion Criteria: Immuno Compromised state due to any other cause.

Results: The following were the details of neurological manifestations. Tuberculous meningitis (35.4%), cerebrovascular complications (9.67%), Guillian barre syndrome (3.22%), pyogenic meningitis (6.44%), peripheral neuropathy (6.44%), seizure disorders (6.44%), acute flaccid paralysis (3.22%), AIDS dementia complex (3.22%), cerebellar syndrome (3.22%), cryptococcal meningitis (3.22%),Toxoplasmosis (3.22%), HIV myelopathy (3.22%), Tuberculoma (3.22%). Mortality increased most with coexisting meningitis and with decreased CD4 counts. Commonest neurological condition associated was neurotuberculosis.

Conclusions: Incidence of neurological illness in HIV infection in our study was 31%.All patients in our study had heterosexual transmission of disease..Headache and altered mentation were the two common symptoms observed in this study. Tuberculous meningitis was the most commonest opportunistic infection in our study. No significant CD4 count correlation was found between the patients with neurological manifestations. CD4 count when less was associated with increased mortality. Patients with coexisting tuberculous meningitis and HIV infection had significantly lower CD4 counts.

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Corresponding Author

Dr T L Narayana Geetha