Acute extrapyramidal dysfunction in two HIV-infected children

Regan Solomons1, Amy Slogrove, Johan Schoeman

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. regan@sun.ac.za

Insights

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encephalopathy can cause severe movement disorders in children, affecting the basal ganglia. Early diagnosis and monitoring using MRI are crucial for managing these neurological complications.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Basal ganglia involvement is common in pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) encephalopathy, often associated with calcification.
  • While HIV proteins are found in affected basal ganglia, extrapyramidal dysfunction is less frequent in children than adults.

Observation:

  • This study details two HIV-infected children presenting with acute, severe extrapyramidal dysfunction.
  • Clinical course, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and outcomes were documented for these cases.

Findings:

  • The cases underscore the link between immune status, opportunistic infections, and the manifestation of movement disorders in HIV-infected children.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is vital for assessing severity and predicting outcomes of neurological complications.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of comprehensive assessment, including HIV testing for children of infected mothers.
  • Emphasizes the role of MRI in evaluating and anticipating outcomes of movement disorders in pediatric HIV.
  • Suggests that immune competence and co-infections significantly influence the presentation of neurological symptoms.

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