Related Experiment Videos
[Neuropsychological development of children born to HIV-positive mothers]
F Piazza1, M G Astori, A Maccabruni
1Istituto Neurologico C. Mondino di Pavia, Italia.
Insights
This study tracked children born to HIV-infected mothers, finding 36% had central nervous system involvement. Developmental deficits and psychological issues appeared in both infected and uninfected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Children born to HIV-infected mothers face risks of neurological and developmental issues.
- Understanding long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in vertically infected children is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess neurological and psychological development in children born to HIV-infected mothers.
- To determine the incidence and timing of central nervous system (CNS) involvement.
- To identify factors associated with developmental deficits.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal follow-up of 138 children (58 HIV-infected, 80 seroreverted uninfected).
- Regular neurological assessments (Amiel-Tison and Touwen scales) and psychological evaluations (child-mother interaction).
- Developmental Quotient (DQ) assessed with Griffiths Scales; mental development with Wisc-R.
Main Results:
- Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement occurred in 36% of symptomatic HIV-infected children.
- Two peaks of severe encephalopathy incidence were observed: early childhood (0-5 years) and preadolescence.
- Developmental deficits and psychological problems were present in both infected and uninfected children, with no significant difference.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection poses a significant risk for CNS involvement and encephalopathy in children.
- Neurodevelopmental and psychological issues are not exclusive to infected children, suggesting broader impacts.
- Early and ongoing monitoring is essential for children exposed to HIV.
Abstract:
138 children born to HIV infected mothers (58 HIV infected and 80 seroreverted uninfected) were followed up at the Institute of Infectious Diseases of the University of Pavia. All patients had an evaluation of neurological assessment every three months done by a pediatric neurologist (Amiel-Tison and Towen) and an evaluation of psychological assessment by observation of child-mother interaction. The development quotient was examined using the Griffiths Scales and mental development using the Wisc-R scale. The incidence of Central Nervous System involvement was 36% in children with symptomatic HIV infection, the hump of incidence of severe encephalopathy was in the first 4 or 5 year of life, another hump (smaller) was in preadolescence. Development deficit and psychological problems were discovered both in asymptomatic infected and in non infected children, without difference of percentage between the two groups.