HIV-related neurological syndromes reduce health-related quality of life.
BACKGROUND
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection frequently results in neurological complications but the impact of different neurological syndromes on patients' quality of life remains unknown.


METHODS
We investigated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) parameters among HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients with and without neurological disease, including 11 dimensions of HRQoL within the Medical Outcomes Short-form Health Survey-HIV.


RESULTS
Comparisons of sociodemographic and systemic clinical variables did not differ between HIV/AIDS patients with (n=94) and without (n=75) neurological disease. However, patients with neurological diseases exhibited significantly lower HRQoL scores compared to matched controls, which was most evident among HIV/AIDS patients with cognitive impairment and sensory neuropathy. Prospective analysis revealed diminishing HRQoL scores prior to neurological diagnosis followed by a progressive and sustained improvement in HRQoL scores after intervention over a 96-week period.


CONCLUSIONS
These studies indicate that while HIV-related neurological diseases are associated with reduced HRQoL scores, enhanced neurological care has a positive impact on HIV/AIDS patients' overall well-being.
Pandya
Rupang
R
Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Krentz
Hartmut B
HB
Gill
M John
MJ
Power
Christopher
C
D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000821:virology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018450:Disease Progression; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology; D009443:Neuritis / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012640:Seizures / Q000523:psychology / Q000821:virology; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires