Ten-year plateau phase in human immunodeficiency virus induced motor neuron disease upon antiretroviral therapy: a first case from Eastern Africa.

Authors

  • Marjolein E. de Bruin, M.D. Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medisch Centrum, Netherlands
  • Emmanuel V. Assey, M.D. Department of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
  • Asha Osman, M.D. Department of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
  • Kajiru Kilonzo, M.D. Department of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
  • William P. Howlett, M.D. Department of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
  • Marieke C.J. Dekker, M.D. Department of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17161/rrnmf.v1i5.13809

Keywords:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, HIV, HIV-ALS, motor neuron disease, Eastern Africa

Abstract

We report an individual with rapidly progressive motor neuron disease (MND), phenotypically compatible with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The patient described in this case report proved positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and was initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Following ART he clinically stabilised over 10 years and deteriorated again due to noncompliance or ART resistance. HIV infection can give rise to an MND mimic, HIV-ALS. The improvement in response to ART supports the notion that HIV-ALS is a treatable entity also in Africa. This is the first case report of a patient with HIV-ALS and long term follow up in Sub-Saharan Africa. The report raises the suggestion that an additional (retro)virus can play a role in the aetiology of ALS.

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Published

2020-11-30

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Section

Clinic and Case Reports

How to Cite

de Bruin, M., Assay, E. ., Osman, A., Kilonzo, K., Howlett, W., & Dekker, M. (2020). Ten-year plateau phase in human immunodeficiency virus induced motor neuron disease upon antiretroviral therapy: a first case from Eastern Africa. RRNMF Neuromuscular Journal, 1(5), 29-32. https://doi.org/10.17161/rrnmf.v1i5.13809