Neurophysiological markers of central and peripheral involvement of the nervous system in HIV-infection.
Peroneal motor and sural sensory conduction velocities (MNCVs/SNCVs), somatosensory evoked potentials to median nerve stimulation (MN-SEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to transcranial stimulation were examined in 138 HIV-infected patients (in the different stages of the disease), 20 seronegative intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs), and 20 healthy subjects. Findings of peroneal MNCV slowing in patients ranged from 16% (asymptomatic HIV patients) to 63% (AIDS) and of sural SNCV slowing from 13% to 40%. Altered MN-SEPs ranged from 10% to 30%, and MEPs ranged from 44% to 72%, mostly due to a prolongation of the central motor conduction time (CMCT). All seronegative IVDAs showed patterns within the normal range. Electrophysiological techniques were helpful in demonstrating early and subclinical alterations in HIV patients.
Moglia
A
A
Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy.
Zandrini
C
C
Alfonsi
E
E
Rondanelli
E G
EG
Bono
G
G
Nappi
G
G
D000328:Adult; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology