Prevalence and Electroclinical Profile of Peripheral Neuropathies in PLHIV Followed Up in Brazzaville

Background: The HIV pandemic leads to neurological impairments, which can manifest at any stage of the disease. The peripheral nervous system is often the most affected. Aim: To determine the prevalence and electroclinical profile of peripheral neuropathies (PNs) among PLHIV treated at the Brazzaville Outpatient Treatment Centre (OTC). Patients and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2021. Participants were PLHIV aged 18 years or older, on antiretroviral therapy (ART), with or without PN symptoms, in whom PN was confirmed by electroneuromyography (ENMG). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and electrophysiological data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 28.0. Results: Among 62 patients who underwent ENMG, 50% presenting PN. Their mean age was 57.1 ± 8.9 years, and there was a female predominance (sex ratio = 0.7). Most were at HIV clinical stages 3 or 4, and all had undetectable viral load. Subjective neuropathic symptoms were reported in 19 (29.7%) patients; decreased osteotendinous reflexes were noted in 14 (87.5%) patients. ENMG findings showed that PN was symptomatic in 14 (43.7%) patients and subclinical in 18 (56.2%). The most frequently observed neuropathies were mononeuropathy (46.9%), particularly carpal tunnel syndrome (84.1%), and axonal sensory polyneuropathy (40.6%). Conclusions: Peripheral neuropathy is common among PLHIV, frequently presenting in a subclinical form. Early detection through detailed clinical history, thorough neurological examination, and systematic ENMG is crucial to optimizing overall HIV care.