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Neurologic and neurobehavioral sequelae in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection

Rajeshree Govender1, Brian Eley, Kathleen Walker

  • 1Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross Children's Hospital, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa. govenderr2@ukzn.ac.za

Journal of Child Neurology
|May 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Neurologic and neurobehavioral complications are frequent in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. Severe immunosuppression and lack of antiretroviral therapy increase the risk of these complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Neurologic and neurobehavioral complications in children with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection are not well-documented.
  • HIV-1 infection can impact various aspects of a child's development and neurological function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the range and prevalence of neurologic and neurobehavioral complications in children with HIV-1 infection.
  • To identify risk factors associated with these complications.

Main Methods:

  • Seventy-eight children with HIV-1 infection were assessed for neurologic complications.
  • Neurobehavioral problems were evaluated in children over one year of age.
  • Data on immunosuppression, antiretroviral therapy, and opportunistic infections were collected.

Main Results:

  • Abnormal neurological examinations were found in 46 children.
  • Common findings included pyramidal tract signs, visual impairment, and neurobehavioral problems.
  • HIV encephalopathy was associated with severe immunosuppression and lack of antiretroviral therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Diverse neurologic and neurobehavioral deficits are common in children with HIV-1 infection.
  • Children with severe immunosuppression, not on antiretroviral therapy, growth impaired, and under one year of age are at highest risk.

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