Association of HIV Infection with Epilepsy and Other Comorbid Conditions.

ABSTRACT

Here, we aimed to investigate the associations of comorbidities in HIV patients given antiepileptic drugs. HIV patients given antiepileptic drugs for at least 6 months were considered. Comorbidities of the epileptic, HIV-positive patients were stratified according to patients' age and causes of epilepsy. Seventy-four of the 97 HIV patients identified had at least one comorbidity. Patients more than 50-years old had more comorbidities (1.9 ± 1.5 vs. 1.1 ± 1.2, p < 0.01) compared with younger subjects. The distribution of the psychiatric disorders was comparable between age-related categories. A marginally significant trend for higher frequency of psychiatric disorders was observed in patients with idiopathic epilepsy versus other causes of epilepsy (43% vs. 24%), Because the presence of comorbid disorders is a major driver for premature mortality both in HIV infection and epilepsy, strategies aimed at favoring prevention, early identification, and adequate treatment in these clinical settings should be pursued at all levels of care.