Overview
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is an important cause of inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies. In 2 case series up to 30% of patients presenting with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (aka Guillain-Barré syndrome) were HIV positive. It is important to exclude HIV infection in any patient who presents with these conditions. The history, physical examination, and course resemble those in HIV-seronegative patients.
For patient education information, visit eMedicineHealth’s Sexual Health Center. Also, see eMedicineHealth’s patient education article HIV/AIDS.
For other discussions on of HIV infection, see Medscape Reference articles HIV Disease, Pediatric HIV Infection, and Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Infection.