Abstract
Distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSPN) has commonly been found in HIV patients.
This cross-sectional study was carried out in the period January 1 to December 31, 2007 in
order to determine the prevalence and risk factors of distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSPN)
in 100 outpatients treated for HIV infection at the infectious clinic of Kanthrarawichai Hospital.
The criteria for the diagnosis of DSPN was one of the following neurological signs,
i.e., decreased or absent ankle jerks, decreased or absent vibratory perceptions at the toes, or
decreased pinprick or temperature sensation in the area of stocking distribution. Subjects
were classified at each visit as being asymptomatic DSPN (ADSPN) (signs only) or symptomatic
DSPN (SDSPN), on the notification of numbness, paresthesia or pain.
Of the total, 32 percent of the subjects met the criteria of DSPN, 28 percent were classified
as ADSPN, and 72 percent SDSPN. Height, cigarette smoking, hypoalbuminemia and
taking fluconazole were risk factors, with the P-values being 0.021, 0.045,0.047 and 0.032,
respectively, using univariate analysis. However, multivariate analysis did not show significant
risk factor association between HIV patients and those with DSPN. It was concluded
that there were no significant risks factors for DSPN in HIV-infected patients.
