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Published on: January 21, 2021
Neurocognitive function in HIV-positive children in a developing country
S Y Walker1, R B Pierre, C D C Christie
1Department of Child and Adolescent Health, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica.
Summary
HIV encephalopathy affects over 23% of children in this Jamaican cohort, causing significant neurocognitive dysfunction. Early identification and intervention are crucial for improving the quality of life for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can lead to neurological complications in children.
- HIV encephalopathy is a serious condition affecting cognitive and motor functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize neurological outcomes in HIV-infected children in Jamaica.
- To determine the prevalence of HIV encephalopathy in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of data for 287 HIV-infected children (2002-2008).
- Nested case-control study comparing 15 encephalopathic children with 15 matched controls (aged 7-10 years).
- Neurocognitive function assessed using clinical evaluations and standardized tests; outcomes compared using Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U-test.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of HIV encephalopathy was 23.3% (67 children).
- Common neurological abnormalities included delayed milestones, hyperreflexia, spasticity, microcephaly, and quadriparesis.
- Encephalopathic children demonstrated significantly worse neurocognitive function across all assessed domains (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of HIV encephalopathy was observed in the studied cohort.
- Significant neurocognitive deficits are associated with HIV encephalopathy in children.
- Early detection and intervention are recommended to enhance patient quality of life.
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