CSF and serum β-2-microglobulin in HIV infection related to neurological dysfunction

Abstract

— Elevated (< 2.2 mg/l) CSF β-2-microglobulin (β₂m) level was found in 9 of 16 neurologically symptomatic patients but in only 4 of 21 who were neurologically symptom-free (P < 0.01). Serum β₂m concentration was elevated (P < 0.01). When the CSF and serum β₂m levels were related to various stages of HIV infection, the highest mean values for both CSF and serum were found in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), followed by lower values in AIDS-related complex (ARC), lymphadenopathy syndrome (LAS), and asymptomatic seropositive individuals (ASX), in decreasing order of preference. Our results suggest that elevated β₂m in CSF and serum is related to the stage of general HIV infection and that elevated CSF β₂m in the presence of intact BBB may be useful in evaluating CNS involvement in HIV-infected patients.