Condition Lookup
Category:
Neurological Complications of HIV
Number of Conditions: 2
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) in HIV
Specialty: Infectious Diseases
Category: Neurological Complications of HIV
Sub-category: Demyelinating Disorders
Symptoms:
progressive weakness; visual disturbances; difficulty speaking; cognitive decline; ataxia; seizures
Root Cause:
Reactivation of JC virus in the central nervous system due to immunosuppression, leading to demyelination of nerve cells.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI brain imaging showing white matter lesions, CSF analysis for JC virus DNA via PCR, and clinical evaluation.
Treatment:
Initiation or optimization of ART to restore immune function, and supportive care to manage neurological symptoms.
Medications:
No direct antiviral treatment for JC virus; management focuses on restoring immune function with ART. Investigational therapies include immune checkpoint inhibitors or antiviral agents like brincidofovir (investigational).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in 1-5% of HIV-positive individuals, more common in those with advanced immunosuppression (CD4 < 200 cells/mm³).
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced HIV, low CD4 count, prior opportunistic infections, and suboptimal ART adherence.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Guarded; survival has improved with ART, but residual neurological deficits are common.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe neurological disability, seizures, and increased mortality.
Progressive Polyradiculopathy in HIV
Specialty: Infectious Diseases
Category: Neurological Complications of HIV
Sub-category: Peripheral Neuropathies
Symptoms:
progressive weakness in lower limbs; loss of reflexes; urinary retention; paresthesia; back pain
Root Cause:
Inflammation and damage to nerve roots, often due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in severely immunosuppressed HIV patients.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI or CT myelography of the spinal cord, CSF analysis showing CMV DNA, and electrophysiological studies.
Treatment:
Initiation or optimization of ART and specific antiviral therapy for CMV (e.g., ganciclovir or foscarnet).
Medications:
Ganciclovir (antiviral) or foscarnet (antiviral) for CMV, combined with ART to address HIV.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; occurs in advanced HIV/AIDS with severe immunosuppression.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
CD4 count < 50 cells/mm³, untreated HIV, and co-infections with CMV or other opportunistic pathogens.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on timely diagnosis and treatment; significant neurological recovery is possible with early intervention.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic neurological deficits, bladder dysfunction, and reduced mobility.