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Neuropathy – HIV related

from Chief complaints and diagnoses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2009

Stephen H. Thomas
Affiliation:
Harvard Medical School
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Summary

This chapter describes the effectiveness of the following agents in treating HIV-related neuropathy (HIVNP): anticonvulsants, antidepressants, acetyl-L-carnitine, cannibis, memantine, intravenous immunoglobulin, lidocaine, thalidomide, and capsaicin. Neuropathy is common in patients infected with HIV. Unfortunately, HIV-related neuropathy (HIVNP) is resistant to many of the drugs that are generally helpful in neuropathic conditions. Cochrane review has found, for instance, that antidepressants are ineffective for treating HIVNP. Neurotoxic neuropathic pain is improved by treatment with the neurotrophic support drug acetyl-L-carnitine. An RCT assessing use of cannabis cigarettes found this approach reduced pain compared with placebo. Although intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is often used for treating HIVNP, critical reviews of available data reveal insufficient evidence to support a recommendation for its acute care administration for this indication. Topical therapy with capsaicin is recommended for HIVNP by some editorialists and expert reviews.
Type
Chapter
Information
Emergency Department Analgesia
An Evidence-Based Guide
, pp. 285 - 288
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2008

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