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Neuropsychological functioning in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 seropositive children infected through neonatal
S E Cohen1, T Mundy, B Karassik
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1797.
Insights
Children with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection showed no difference in overall intelligence compared to HIV-1 negative children. However, slight differences were noted in school achievement and specific cognitive tasks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonatal blood transfusions can transmit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).
- Neuropsychological development in children with HIV-1 requires ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the neuropsychological development of HIV-1 seropositive children with HIV-1 seronegative controls.
- To assess the impact of early HIV-1 infection on cognitive functions over time.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study comparing 15 HIV-1 seropositive children with 33 HIV-1 seronegative children (neonatal transfusion recipients).
- Administration of two psychological test batteries approximately 8 months apart.
- HIV-1 infection confirmed via callback blood testing.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in overall intelligence were observed between HIV-1 seropositive and seronegative children up to 8 years post-infection.
- Slight but significant group differences emerged in school achievement, motor speed, visual scanning, and cognitive flexibility.
Conclusions:
- Early HIV-1 infection acquired through neonatal transfusion does not appear to affect overall intelligence in children.
- Subtle deficits in specific cognitive domains and academic achievement may be associated with HIV-1 infection.
- Continued longitudinal monitoring is crucial for understanding the long-term neuropsychological evolution in this cohort.
Abstract:
The neuropsychological development of 15 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) seropositive children infected through neonatal blood transfusion was compared with that of a control group of 33 HIV-1 seronegative children who had also received blood transfusions as neonates. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection was identified on the basis of a callback blood testing. Two thirds of the HIV-1-infected children were asymptomatic at time of enrollment in the study of development. The children were administered two psychological batteries approximately 8 months apart. The results indicated that the two serostatus groups did not differ in overall intelligence, even as long as 8 years after HIV-1 infection. Significant group differences, though slight, were found on school achievement and on tasks that require motor speed, visual scanning, and cognitive flexibility. Continued longitudinal study of this cohort will be important in characterizing the evolution of neuropsychological deficits.