Cognitive Functioning and Its Stability Among Young Adults with Perinatal HIV Exposure or Acquisition in a U.S.-Based...

The growing population of young adults with perinatal HIV acquisition (YAPHIV) or exposure without acquisition (YAPHEU) warrants investigation of ongoing cognitive effects of PHIV and lasting neurodevelopmental consequences of perinatal exposure to HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART). Within the US-based AMP Up longitudinal cohort study, 608 YAPHIV and 131 YAPHEU completed the NIH Toolbox (NIHT) assessment of cognitive functioning and provided information on mental health, demographic variables, social determinants of health (SDOH), HIV-related health and ARTs. YAPHIV were categorized at entry as YAPHIV-C (history of CDC Class C AIDS-defining criteria or nadir CD4%<15) or YAPHIV-non-C. General linear regression models were fit to examine associations of HIV status with NIHT age-adjusted Fluid, Crystallized and Total Cognition Composite standard scores and change in scores from entry to the three-year follow-up visit. NIHT performance between YAPHEU and all YAPHIV was comparable, with borderline/low average Fluid and average Crystallized Composite scores; however, we observed overall differences among the three groups, with lowest mean scores among YAPHIV-C and highest among YAPHIV-non-C. In adjusted analyses, mean Fluid Composite scores increased longitudinally across groups, with significantly less increase in both YAPHIV groups versus YAPHEU. Differences were not mediated by mental health variables. Few associations with current or change in HIV disease severity were observed. SDOH analyses supported benefits of greater access to social and economic resources. Although results highlight concerns about long-term effects of perinatal HIV among young adults, differences were subtle and emphasize the importance of modifiable factors such as viral control and access to resources.