Neurological characteristics of HIV-infected men and women seeking primary medical care

Abstract

We examined the neurological differences between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men (n = 193) and women (n = 41) receiving primary medical care. There was no difference between men and women in the rate of HIV-related neurological syndromes (i.e. polyneuropathy, myelopathy, myopathy, HIV-dementia [HAD]). A logistic regression analysis indicated that low CD4+ cell count predicted all neurological syndromes. In addition, HAD was predicted by intravenous-drug use and lower education level, while neuropathy was associated with older age and with race. These findings indicate that there are no differences in the rate of neuropsychiatric disorders attributable to gender. The presence of other factors (e.g. drug abuse) could explain previously reported gender differences in neurological manifestations of HIV infection.