Distal sensory polyneuropathy is a source of morbidity in HIV infection. This study aims to determine the frequency and effect of demographic and clinical variables on distal sensory polyneuropathy, among HIV-positive participants in south-east Nigeria.

The study involved highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) naive, patients on HAART and HIV-negative matched controls conducted at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu south-east Nigeria. Distal sensory polyneuropathy was diagnosed with clinical evaluation and the use of Bio Thesiometer, 10 g monofilament and ankle reflex.

There were 100 participants in each of the groups, HAART naive, on HAART and controls, comprising 109 (36.3%) males and 191 (63.7%) females, with median age of 35 years. About 42.5% (85/200) of the HIV-positive participants (37 drug naive and 48 on HAART) had distal sensory polyneuropathy. None in control group had distal sensory polyneuropathy. Age (p = 0.02), height (p = 0.002), low haemoglobin (p = 0.03) and mean duration on HAART (p = 0.006) were significantly associated with distal sensory polyneuropathy, while gender (p = 0.497), body mass index (p = 0.657), CD4 count (p = 0.482) did not affect distal sensory polyneuropathy.

Low haemoglobin, height, and duration on HAART were independent risk factors for distal sensory polyneuropathy. Addressing correctable causes of anaemia, and alternatives to neurotoxic HAART may minimize the risk of distal sensory polyneuropathy.