HIV-Associated Sensory Neuropathy

As advances in the treatment of HIV are now allowing patients a longer life span, further comorbidities become apparent. This includes sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) which can affect a patient’s quality of life. Here, we review factors influencing HIV-SN in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy that promotes this condition and in the modern era when these therapies have been withdrawn. This has halved the incidence of HIV-SN, but the condition remains significant in the lives of many sufferers. Genetic polymorphisms that influence pathogenesis of HIV-SN have indicated likely mechanisms, but studies of skin biopsies and animal models are needed to confirm the roles of the encoded proteins.