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Peripheral neuropathy

Article Abstract:

Peripheral neuropathy in HIV-infected patients may be difficult to treat. Peripheral neuropathies occur in about one-third of AIDS patients and can seriously interfere with quality of life. Non-AIDS related causes include vitamin B12 deficiency, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, alcoholism, and many drugs. Treatment consists of treating underlying medical problems or discontinuing or lowering the dosage of the causative medication. Treatment of symptoms may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, amitriptyline, topical capsaicin cream, anticonvulsants, acupuncture, or narcotics.

Care and treatment, Complications and side effects, HIV infection, HIV infections, Peripheral nerve diseases, Peripheral nervous system diseases

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Clinical implications of alcoholism in patients with HIV/AIDS

Article Abstract:

Alcoholism can complicate the clinical management and therapeutic compliance of patients with HIV/AIDS. Chronic alcohol use can be immunosuppressive, and may accelerate the development of AIDS in HIV-infected patients. HIV/AIDS can produce dementia and other neurologic symptoms similar to mental impairments of alcohol abuse. HIV infection, antiretroviral drugs and long alcohol use all can produce peripheral neuropathies and liver disease. Alcoholics may have difficulty following complex drug treatment regimens critical to preventing the development of viral resistance in HIV/AIDS.

Alcoholism, AIDS patients, HIV patients, Alcohol use

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Occupational transmission of HIV to health care workers

Article Abstract:

The risks of medical personnel contracting the HIV virus from patients is low but workers should be aware of the possibility and take necessary precautions. Variables influencing the risks of occupational transmission include the amount of virus in the contacted blood, the amount of blood accidentally injected, and the size of the needle. Medical personnel should use inatruments without needles whenever possible, use caution when handling sharp objects, and wear gloves.

Analysis, Occupational health and safety, Occupational safety and health, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Medical personnel, Disease transmission

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