Successful treatment of HIV-related vasculitis with peripheral neuropathy with short-term steroids followed by the association of zidovudine and plasmapheresis.

OBJECTIVE

treatment of HIV-related vasculitis, avoiding prolonged immunosuppressive therapy.

DESIGN

prospective pilot study of HIV-related neurological vasculitis.

PATIENTS

two HIV-infected patients with histologically proven vasculitis.

INTERVENTION

short-term corticosteroid followed by zidovudine combined with plasmapheresis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

clinical, biological, immunological and electromyographic evaluation.

RESULTS

complete neurological recovery.

CONCLUSION

excellent tolerance and efficacy of combined zidovudine and plasmapheresis therapy in peripheral neurological HIV-related vasculitis.