Better executive function is independently associated with full HIV suppression during combination therapy

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment remains a significant clinical challenge.
• Maintaining viral suppression is crucial for managing HIV and preventing complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term relationship between neurocognitive function and plasma HIV RNA suppression.
• To identify factors associated with virologic suppression in individuals with HIV.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a 15-year prospective cohort study including nearly 2000 participants on combination antiretroviral therapy.
• Neuropsychological testing and plasma HIV RNA levels were assessed longitudinally.
• Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze associations with virologic suppression.

Main Results:

• 69.4% of participants achieved plasma HIV RNA below 50 copies/ml.
• Better executive function, older age, and less cocaine abuse were associated with virologic suppression.
• Lack of virologic suppression correlated with a decline in executive function over time.

Conclusions:

• Executive function may be both a predictor and a consequence of virologic suppression in HIV-infected individuals.
• Effective management of HIV requires addressing neurocognitive health and adherence to antiretroviral therapy.