• V C Eyenga, N Ngowe Ngowe, J Ze Minkande, and J Eloundou Ngah.
• Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon. dreyenga@yahoo.fr
• Spine. 2008 Jun 1;33(13):E411-3.

Study DesignProspective longitudinal clinical study.ObjectiveTo evaluate the pattern of regression of severe sciatica and pain in the low back over 3 months in HIV infected patients in whom monosegmental lumbar macrodiscectomy was performed for lumbar disc herniation.Summary Of Background DataThere are very few reported studies, which have been carried out to evaluate the outcome of lumbar discectomy in HIV positive patients.Material And MethodsThis was a prospective study conducted from January 2004 to December 2006. Patients included were those who knew their HIV serological status before the first consultation. Patients with previous spinal surgery, multilevel lumbar disc herniation, or any neurologic deficit were excluded. The intensity of pain was assessed by the visual analog scale during regular postoperative follow up.ResultsSeventy-seven patients suffering from severe sciatica were included; 9 were HIV positive and 68 were HIV negative. In the HIV positive group, the sex ratio was 2:1, and 8 had severe pain in the low back whereas in the HIV negative group, 44 had severe pain in the low back.ConclusionAt 3 months, sciatica relief (VAS <4) was recorded in 66.6% of HIV positive patients and in 70.6% of HIV negative patients. Relief of pain in the low back (VAS <4) was respectively 50.0% and 55.1% in both groups. The pattern of pain regression during the follow-up period was similar in both groups.

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