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Neurocognitive Function of School-aged HIV-infected Children in Enugu, Nigeria
Kenechukwu K Iloh1,2, Ifeoma J Emodi1,2, Ngozi S Ibeziako1,2
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu 400001, Nigeria.
Insights
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children in Nigeria show significantly lower neurocognitive functioning compared to their peers. Early neurodevelopmental evaluation is crucial for these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuropsychology
Background:
- Neurocognitive deficits are common in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Limited data exist on neurocognitive outcomes for HIV-infected children in Nigeria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare the neurocognitive functioning of perinatally HIV-infected children with their HIV-uninfected counterparts in Nigeria.
- To identify factors influencing neurocognitive outcomes in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 100 school-aged, perinatally HIV-infected children and 100 age/sex-matched controls.
- Neurocognitive functioning was evaluated using the Nigerian-adapted Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM).
Main Results:
- HIV-infected children had significantly lower mean RPM scores (22.97 ± 11.35) compared to controls (32.93 ± 15.71; p < 0.001).
- Fewer HIV-infected children scored in the above-average intelligence range (22% vs. 56%).
- Neurocognitive function was significantly impacted by immunologic staging and socioeconomic status.
Conclusions:
- Perinatally HIV-infected children in Nigeria exhibit impaired neurocognitive functioning compared to uninfected peers.
- Routine neurodevelopmental assessment should be integrated into the standard care for HIV-infected children in Nigeria.
Background:
Evidence has shown neurocognitive problems often exist among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. There are limited data for children in Nigeria.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study of 100 school-aged perinatally HIV-infected children seen in the paediatric HIV clinic and age/sex-matched controls from the general paediatric clinic. Neuro-cognitive functioning was assessed using the Raven's progressive matrices (RPM) that has been adapted for the Nigerian population.
Results:
The mean RPM score of subjects was 22.97 ± 11.35 compared with 32.93 ± 15.71 among controls (p < 0.001). Twenty-two percent of subjects in the HIV-infected group vs. 56% of controls were in the above-average intelligence group on the RPM. Thirty-four percent had average scores, while 22% were in the below-average scoring range. Neuro-cognitive functioning of the subjects was significantly affected by immunologic staging and socio-economic status.
Conclusions:
Neurocognitive functioning of the HIV-infected children was significantly lower than those of their un-infected counterparts. Neurodevelopmental evaluation should be part of standard care in HIV-infected children in Nigerian setting.
