HIV associated peripheral neuropathy in HIV infected patients at the Excellency Center of Lubumbashi University in DRC: A cross sectional study

3^rd International Conference on HIV/AIDS, STDs & STIs

November 30 - December 02, 2015 Atlanta, USA

Katabwa K J, Mbayo L, Wembonyama S, Mutombo V, Luboya O, Ntambwe A and Mukendi R

University of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects approximately 33 million people living in developed countries and countries with limited resources. The peripheral neuropathies are common in patients with HIV infection, and are associated with significant morbidity. Neuropathy is the most common neuromuscular manifestation observed in HIV/ AIDS, and at the advent of antiretroviral therapy, the prevalence has increased. Methods: Using two scales (DN4, EVA) for the evaluation of the severity of pain, and a clinical evaluation allowed us to diagnose the peripheral neuropathy. The clinical diagnosis will be completed by the EMG, NCV and the biopsy. We carried out a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy (HIV-PN) among HIV patients at the Excellency Center of Lubumbashi University. Results: Out of 400 patients studied, 25% had HIV-PN; 53.3% of these patients had abnormal reflexes, 77.89% had symptomatic HIV-PN, 80% consulted for pain, and only 3.6% have a real difficulty in walking, 76.5% of our patients were taking stavudine, 11.7% didanosine and abacavir. 84% of our patients had a median CD4 cell count of 292 cells/ml, 13.86% of patients with NP was on a treatment of tuberculosis. Conclusions: HIV-PN is common among patients with advanced HIV infection in Lubumbashi, the diagnostic should be made routine to reduce the negative impact on their quality of life.

Biography :

Katabwa K J continues his Post-graduation at the University of Lubumbashi in Internal Medicine Department (Neuro-psychiatric). He is the Technical Coordinator to Center of Excellence in HIV/AIDS care at the University of Lubumbashi. He has published many papers. In addition, he has participated in several scientific congresses locally.

Email: Joekabongo2004@gmail.com