Electrophysiological manifestations in adults with HIV/AIDS submitted and not submitted to antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND

auditory evoked potentials (AEP) assess the neuroelectric activity on the auditory pathway -from the auditory nerve to the cerebral cortex - in response to an acoustic stimulus or event. Studies have demonstrated electrophysiological abnormalities in individuals with HIV/AIDS.

AIM

to characterize the hearing electrophysiological manifestations in adults with HIV/AIDS by comparing the results obtained in the group exposed to antiretroviral therapy with those obtained in the group not exposed to such treatment.

METHOD

electrophysiological evaluation of hearing (Auditory Brainstem Response - ABR, Auditory Middle Latency Response - AMLR and P300) was conducted in 56 individuals with HIV/AIDS: 24 participants composed group I (not exposed to antiretroviral treatment) and 32 participants composed group II (exposed to treatment).

RESULTS

alterations in every AEP were observed in individuals with HIV/ AIDS, especially in the ABR. Indeed, the group exposed to antiretroviral treatment presented more alterations.

CONCLUSION

individuals with HIV/AIDS may present alterations on the central and peripheral auditory nervous system. The group exposed to antiretroviral therapy presents more alterations on the brainstem auditory pathway.