Neurological manifestations in HIV positive patients in Tehran, Iran

ObjectiveTo evaluate the neurological complications among Iranian HIV-positive patients.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 428 patients diagnosed with HIV infection between 2006 and 2009 at Imam Khomeini hospital, Tehran, Iran. Demographic and clinical variables as well as laboratory tests were extracted and analyzed. Also, another 100 patients refereed to Voluntary Counseling and Testing center of the hospital were visited and evaluated for neurological complications.ResultsAmong the patients, neurologic manifestations were observed in 34 (7.94%) patients. Twenty three percent of the patients received antiretroviral therapy. Identified causes included brain toxoplasmosis (14.7%), progressive multi-focal leuko encephalopathy (5.9%), HIV encephalopathy (5.9%), TB meningitis (5%) and unknown etiologies (11.8%). Also, among 100 patients who were admitted and visited at the Voluntary Counseling and Testing center, no one was diagnosed for any neurological manifestations.ConclusionsAccording to our results, toxoplasmosis is the most frequent cause of neurological conditions among Iranian HIV infected patients and should be considered in any HIV/AIDS patient with neurological manifestations.