Neurological Disorders Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus - acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Patients Diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Quetta
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v4i1.1778Keywords:
HIV Infections, AIDS, Neurologic Manifestations, Tuberculous Meningitis, Peripheral Neuropathy, HIV Dementia, Resource-Limited SettingsAbstract
Background: Neurological complications in HIV/AIDS are a significant but underreported public health concern in Pakistan, especially in underserved regions like Balochistan. Despite known global prevalence, regional data are lacking, creating a gap in targeted interventions and care planning. Objective: To determine the frequency and distribution of neurological manifestations among HIV-positive patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Quetta, with an emphasis on demographic, clinical, and radiological correlations. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Bolan Medical College Hospital (BMCH), Quetta, from January 1 to December 31, 2024. A total of 177 HIV-positive patients aged >20 years presenting with clinical evidence of nervous system involvement were enrolled. Data were collected through standardized history, neurological examination, laboratory investigations, and neuroimaging. Ethical approval was obtained per the Helsinki Declaration. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v26, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for post-stratification associations. Results: Tuberculous meningitis was the most common manifestation (56.5%), followed by dementia (17.5%), myelopathy (10.2%), peripheral neuropathy (9.6%), and AIDS-related stroke (6.2%). Neurological involvement was higher in males (68.4%) and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (54.2%). Conclusion: HIV/AIDS exerts a significant neurological burden, especially in resource-limited regions. Early identification and management of neuro-HIV complications can improve quality of life and reduce mortality.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Ghulam Mustafa, Hazrat Ali Khan, Saleem Khan, Irfan Adil, Abdul Ghafoor, Bilal Masood
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