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[Neuropsychiatric development of children with acquired immunodeficiency]
F Piazza1, A Maccabruni, D Comelli
1Cattedra di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Università di Pavia.
Insights
This study tracked the neuropsychological development of 88 children with HIV infection, finding that 55% experienced significant developmental delays. Early psychological intervention is crucial for managing these developmental challenges in children with HIV.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection impacts multiple organ systems, including the central nervous system.
- Children born to HIV-infected mothers or infected via blood products require long-term monitoring for developmental outcomes.
- Advances in antiretroviral therapy have increased life expectancy for children with HIV, highlighting the need to address associated developmental issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the neuropsychological evolution of children infected with HIV.
- To assess the incidence of Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement in pediatric HIV infection.
- To emphasize the importance of early psychological care in mitigating developmental problems.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal follow-up of 88 children with HIV infection.
- Regular clinical, serological, immunological, and neurological assessments.
- Mental development evaluation using Griffith scales; further investigations for symptomatic patients.
Main Results:
- Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement by HIV was observed in 24% of infected patients.
- In children with symptomatic HIV infection, CNS involvement was higher at 37%.
- Neurological symptoms correlated with disease progression; 55% of patients exhibited serious developmental delays.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection significantly impacts neuropsychological development in children.
- Early and specialized psychological care is essential for improving developmental outcomes.
- Proactive management can help children with HIV achieve better long-term quality of life.
Abstract:
The Authors describe the neuropsychological evolution of 88 children (86 born from HIV infected mothers and, 2 infected by blood products) followed up at the Institute of Infectious Diseases of the University of Pavia. All patients had a clinical, serological and immunologic evaluation done by a pediatric infectivologist and a neurological assessment (Amyeli-Tison and Towen) done by a pediatric neurologist every three months. The Mental Development was examined using the Griffith scales. Electroencephalographic, TC scan, liquor test and other invasive tests were done only in symptomatic patients when indicated. The incidence of Central Nervous System involvement by HIV virus was 24% in infected patients and 37% in children with symptomatic HIV infection; neurological symptoms were observed in coincidence with worsening of AIDS disease. Fifty-five percent of the patients had a serious developmental delays. The Authors stress the importance of an early psychological care of these patients done by a specialist physician in order to reduce the onset of developmental problems in children facing a life expectancy longer than before due to the continuous improvement in the therapeutic management of AIDS.