Status:

COMPLETED

Painful HIV Neuropathy and Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Lead Sponsor:

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Conditions:

HIV

Peripheral Neuropathy

Eligibility:

All Genders

18+ years

Phase:

PHASE1

PHASE2

Brief Summary

HIV is associated with painful peripheral neuropathy. Disability is often significant. Alpha-Lipoic Acid's antioxidant properties may have benefit in this condition.

Detailed Description

HIV is associated with painful distal peripheral polyneuropathy in up to 35-50% of those without AIDS and in more than 70% of those with advanced disease. The condition is progressive but may be halte...

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

  • HIV-seropositive
  • Distal peripheral sensory neuropathy as diagnosed by a neurologist with pain or paresthesia, with or without numbness or weakness
  • Able to understand and participate in protocol activities
  • Able to give informed consent
  • Under the care of a UNC ID Clinical physician for at least 2 months
  • Able to document pain characteristics, use of pain medications, and other assessment instruments and characteristics
  • On stable antiretroviral therapy (or none) for 12 weeks prior to enrollment
  • No changes in peripheral neuropathy pharmacologic treatment for 12 weeks prior to enrollment

Exclusion

  • Any significant cognitive impairment or psychosis
  • Pregnancy or anticipated pregnancy (women of child-bearing potential must agree to use birth control for the duration of the study)
  • Undergoing any current treatment for malignancy, including chemotherapy or radiation therapy within the past year
  • Concurrent or prior use of a-LA
  • Known non-HIV risk factors for peripheral neuropathy, such as DM, B12/folate deficiency; thyroid dysfunction; hx of exposure to lead, mercury, arsenic, thallium (prior diagnostic tests permitted), other heavy metals or complex hydrocarbons
  • Use of metronidazole, isoniazid or other furantoins
  • Suspected or documented thiamin deficiency
  • Active alcoholism
  • Allergy to a-LA
  • Hx of 'significant' use of anti-oxidant supplements during the two months prior to study entry

Key Trial Info

Start Date :

September 1 2003

Trial Type :

INTERVENTIONAL

End Date :

February 1 2007

Estimated Enrollment :

60 Patients enrolled

Trial Details

Trial ID

NCT00079807

Start Date

September 1 2003

End Date

February 1 2007

Last Update

April 22 2008

Active Locations (1)

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Page 1 of 1 (1 locations)

1

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27599-7025