Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with HIV infection under 3 years of age

C J Foster1, R L Biggs, D Melvin

  • 1The Family Clinic, St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, London, UK.

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|July 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Combination antiretroviral therapy improves immune function in children with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). However, neurological signs and developmental delays often persist despite treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Virology

Background:

  • Children with vertically acquired human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection are surviving into adulthood due to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).
  • Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in this population require thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes in children diagnosed with HIV-1 infection before age three.
  • To correlate neurological and developmental status with immunological and virological responses to cART.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 62 children with vertically acquired HIV-1 infection diagnosed before age three.
  • Assessment of neurological signs and standardized developmental assessments.
  • Analysis of immunological (CD4 counts) and virological (viral load) data in response to cART.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-two percent (14/62) of children exhibited abnormal neurological signs.
  • Forty percent (25/62) demonstrated significant developmental delay.
  • Children with severe HIV-1 disease and immune compromise at presentation had worse neurological and developmental outcomes.
  • cART improved immune function, viral control, and growth, but neurological deficits persisted.

Conclusions:

  • Despite improvements in immune status and viral suppression with cART, significant neurodevelopmental challenges remain in children with vertically acquired HIV-1.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial, but long-term monitoring for neurological sequelae is essential.

More Related Videos

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates05:53

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates

Published on: July 6, 2013

A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection08:48

A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection

Published on: January 21, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Three Developmental Domains01:29

Three Developmental Domains

Human development is typically examined across three main domains: physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional. These domains represent the significant areas of change and continuity throughout the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood.
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly01:19

Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly

As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...