Case Study: Novel Approach to HIV-Associated Neuropathy Platelet Rich Plasma Successful in Treating HIV-Associated Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

 Distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy (DSPN) is the most common neurologic complication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. DSPN is a distressing pain syndrome and infected patients have limited treatment options for alleviating symptoms. Platelet Rich Plasma has been found to be effective in relieving pain associated with chronic and acute musculoskeletal conditions as well as arthritic conditions. We tested the hypothesis that platelet rich plasma alleviates symptoms of HIV-associated DSPN. A 50year-old African American patient was referred for long-standing bilateral leg neuropathy. The patient was treated with an injection of platelet rich plasma therapy ever two weeks for 12 weeks. The treatment outcomes were pain intensity, pain relief, sensory perception, quality of life, mood, and function. After the first therapeutic injection of platelet rich plasma, the patient reported significant improvement in pain relief, sensory perception, and range of motion. The therapy was effective in relieving pain so the patient discontinued use all other pain medications including Vicodin and Neurontin. This case report provides evidence that platelet rich plasma is effective in relieving painful numbness, tingling and burning related to HIV-associated DSPN. Platelet rich plasma may be a valuable option for treatment of symptoms associated with DSPN among HIV patients.