HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialistperipheral neuropathyI am on ARV and IVIG, can they cure anterior horn cell disease caused by HIV?

Can IVIG injection cure anterior horn cell disease caused by HIV?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At April 5, 2023
Reviewed AtAugust 22, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) positive and on ARV (Anti - retroviral) for the past nine years. My legs feel weak and I cannot stand on my legs. The nerve conduction report states peripheral neuropathy and anterior horn cell disease. Can IVIg (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) injection cure anterior horn cell disease caused by HIV?

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.

If the cause is HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), then you require antiretroviral treatment (ART) for the symptoms to improve. Studies have shown that symptoms of anterior horn cell disease potentially improve after effective ART. Kindly answer the following: For how long you have been on antiretroviral treatment? What was the baseline HIV viral load and CD4 count? What is the present CD4 count and HIV viral load? What ART medications you are receiving? What is your complete blood count report? What other supportive medications you have been advised for neuropathy.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been on ART for nine years, my CD4 count is 800 cells/mm3, and my viral load is undetected. ART medication taken is Lamivudine (Magnesium stearate, Microcrystalline cellulose), Tenofovir Fumarate (Tenofovir Disoproxil), Atazanavir (Protease inhibitors), and Ritonavir (Polyoxyl 35 Castor oil, Propylene glycol, Anhydrous citric acid to adjust pH). My blood count, WBC 9000 cells/mL, PCV 36 cells/mL, differential neutrophils 60 cells/mL, lymphocytes 35 cells/mL, and macrophages 4 cells/mL. Other medications are IVIG (intravenous immune globulin) for five days, taken for two days now.

Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I would probably fit your all symptoms in antiretroviral drug-related neuropathy. Please also get the following tests: Serum vitamin B12 levels, vitamin D3 levels. Thyroid profile (T3, T4, and thyroid stimulating factor). HbA1C. Fasting blood sugar. Are you on the treatment which you mentioned (Tenofovir, Lamivudine, ATV, and Ritnovir) since the beginning of HIV diagnosis? Have you previously been given other medications like Stavudine and Triomune 30 or 40? I suggest you follow supportive medications along with a continuation of ARVs: Tab Neurobion forte (Calcium pantothenate, Cyanocobalamin, Nicotinamide, Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Riboflavin) one tablet twice a day. Tab Pregabalin (Pregabalin and Methylcobalamin) 75 mg twice a day for one week, then continue it once a day. Consult your specialist before taking medications. Physiotherapy will definitely help you. I hope I have cleared your doubts.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva
Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

HIV/AIDS specialist

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