ABSTRACT
There are several forms of peripheral neuropathy related to HIV/AIDS, but the most common is distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP). DSP has become the most frequent neurologic syndrome associated with HIV infection, and the pain associated with this condition can be debilitating. The prevalence of DSP varies from 9% to 63% in different series. The diagnosis of the peripheral neuropathy syndrome in HIV-infected patients is generally based upon the clinical picture. Management of DSP is largely symptomatic and usually aimed at ameliorating the painful dysesthesias. Correcting nutritional and metabolic abnormalities when present may be helpful. Acetaminophen or nonsteroidals are the initial treatment for mild pain. If this is inadequate, other treatment should be considered. Gabapentin has been widely used in the treatment of DSP. The use of gabapentin for the treatment of painful HIV-related neuropathy was found to reduce pain better than placebo in small groups of patients in two studies.
