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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2017, 19, N6 (pages: 31 - 38)

Viral Infection, Psychopathology, and Autonomic Modulation among Methadone Users in Taiwan

Huang W.-L., Chang L.-R., Kuo T.B.J., Lin Y.-H., Yang J.-L., Chen Y.-Z., and Yang C.C.H.

Summary: Aim: We aimed to explore the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on autonomic modulation in heroin users. Methods: Fifty-nine subjects were divided into three groups: no infection group, HCV infection group, and HIV infection group (IG). Heart rate variability of all participants was measured. Results: The high frequency power (a parasympathetic index) and the total power (a combined autonomic index) of the IG were significantly lower before and after taking methadone. Above finding could not be explained by psychopathology. Conclusions: The results indicated that early HIV infection may play a role in autonomic dysregulation in heroin users.