Psychological Factors Associated With Painful Versus Non-Painful HIV-Associated Sensory Neuropathy

Abstract

HIV-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) is a common, and frequently painful complication of HIV, but factors that determine the presence of pain are unresolved. We investigated: (i) if psychological factors associated with painful (n = 125) versus non-painful HIV-SN (n = 72), and (ii) if pain and psychological factors affected quality of life (QoL). We assessed anxiety and depression using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25. Pain catastrophizing and QoL were assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and Euroqol-5D, respectively. Presence of neuropathy was detected using the Brief Neuropathy Screening Tool, and pain was characterised using the Wisconsin Brief Pain Questionnaire. Overall, there was a high burden of pain, depression and anxiety in the cohort. None of the psychological variables associated with having painful HIV-SN. Greater depressive symptoms and presence of pain were independently associated with lower QoL. In those participants with painful HIV-SN, greater depressive symptom scores were associated with increased pain intensity. In conclusion, in a cohort with high background levels of psychological dysfunction, psychological factors do not predict the presence of pain, but both depression and presence of pain are associated with poor quality of life.

Clinical diagnosis of sensory neuropathy in HIV patients treated with tenofovir: A 6‐month follow‐up study

“…We report that the incidence of SN on TDF‐based cART, based on clinical evaluation, is lower than that observed on stavudine‐based therapies, and that it is more frequently asymptomatic. Nevertheless, a percentage of individuals developed a rapid onset symptomatic neuropathy, which might lead to disability and reduced quality of life . Concomitant active TB disease increased the risk of developing SN.…”

“…Nevertheless, a percentage of individuals developed a rapid onset symptomatic neuropathy, which might lead to disability and reduced quality of life. 42 Concomitant active TB disease increased the risk of developing SN. Our findings suggest that SN continues to be a clinical problem in low-income countries where prevalence of comorbid TB and HIV remains high.…”

Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Interventions for HIV-Neuropathy Pain. A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis

“…In a more recent study, Adoukonou et al revealed the presence of pain in 23.4% of patients [7], while other studies report painful symptoms in up to 75% of HIV-SN participants [8]. Pain is associated with depression and poor quality of life [1,[9][10][11]. Depression seems to be associated with greater pain intensity [1,12].…”

“…Among the broad spectrum of HIV infection symptoms, HIV sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) remains one of the main causes of suffering, having subsequent impact on quality of life of these patients [1]. It has been estimated that up to one-third of HIV infected individuals suffer from HIV-SN [2], with incidence varying from 13% to up to 50% [3,4], primarily due to different diagnostic criteria [2,3].…”

“…Pain is associated with depression and poor quality of life [1,[9][10][11]. Depression seems to be associated with greater pain intensity [1,12].…”