Funded Programs

Prevalence of HIV Neuropathy and Risk factors for Antiretrovial Toxic Neuropathy in an HIV-positive Cohort of Black South Africans

The Emory University School of Medicine is partnering with the University of South Africa in Cape Town to conduct a pilot study that will investigate the impact of nutritional status, metabolic factors, alcohol abuse, and anti-tuberculosis therapy on the incidence and prevalence of HIV-associated neuropathy. Neuropathy (degeneration of the nervous system) is currently recognized as the most common neurological complication of HIV/AIDS, with both HIV-associated distal sensory poly neuropathy (HIV-DSP) and antiretroviral toxic neuropathy (ATN) having a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from it. The overall purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the impact of nutritional status, metabolic factors, alcohol abuse, and anti-tuberculosis therapy on the prevalence and incidence of both HIV-DSP and ATN. Researchers will estimate the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic polyneuropathy in an ambulatory HIV-infected population enrolled in HIV care in Cape Town and identify risk factors associated with neuropathy with specific attention to patients' nutritional status and medical co-morbidities. Establishing a clinical research infrastructure and successful implementation of the proposed study will target a significant clinical problem of high relevance to a resource limited population. Additional research will be directed at the identification of efficacious symptomatic therapies as well as the prevention of HIV-associated neuropathy.

For more information, contact:
Taylor B. Harrison, MD
Assistant Professor
Emory University School of Medicine
tharri4@emory.edu