title: AIDS and AIDS-treatment neuropathies.
abstract: AIDS and AIDS-treatment neuropathies are common in individuals infected with HIV. As patients live longer due to improved antiretroviral therapies, the impact of painful neuropathy on patients' lives may increase. Several antiretroviral medications are known to cause toxic neuropathy in patients with AIDS, but this may be outweighed by the beneficial effects of viral suppression. Current theories on the pathogenesis of AIDS neuropathies include mitochondrial toxicity secondary to gamma-DNA polymerase inhibition and subsequent abnormal mitochondrial DNA synthesis. Treatment of AIDS neuropathies is directed toward relief of symptoms; however, new evidence suggests that aggressive antiretroviral therapy may also be effective.
authors.affiliation: Mount Kisco Medical Group, 90 South Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY 10549, USA. AGeraci@mkmg.com
authors.forename: Derek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Geraci
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects; D011115:Polyneuropathies / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000209:etiology*