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Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
11:14

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture

Published on: October 12, 2018

Cognitive assessment of school-age children infected with maternally transmitted human immunodeficiency virus type 1

M Tardieu1, M J Mayaux, N Seibel

  • 1Département de Pédiatrie, Unité INSERM U292, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Paris, France.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|March 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Children with vertically acquired human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection show better-than-expected school achievement and cognitive abilities. Early CD4+ lymphocyte counts may predict future academic success and cognitive development in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) can impact child development.
  • Early studies suggested significant cognitive and academic challenges for children with HIV-1.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess school achievement, cognitive abilities, and psychoaffective status in children with vertically acquired HIV-1 infection.
  • To identify factors predicting school adaptation and cognitive outcomes in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study of 33 children born before 1985 with vertically acquired HIV-1, followed to age 6.
  • Assessment of school achievement, cognitive skills (IQ, visual-spatial, time orientation), language, fine motor, and emotional adaptation.
  • Correlation analysis with CD4+ lymphocyte counts, maternal infection mode, and parental education.

Main Results:

  • 67% of children achieved normal school performance by a mean age of 9.5 years.
  • While mean IQ was 95, significant deficits were noted in visual-spatial skills (54%) and language (44%).
  • Psychoaffective disturbances were present in 29% of children and 42% of parents; normal school performance correlated with cognitive test results and lower psychoaffective symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Children with vertically acquired HIV-1 demonstrate better cognitive abilities and school achievement than previously assumed.
  • Circulating CD4+ lymphocyte percentage in early life is a potential predictor of later school adaptation and cognitive function.
  • Intervention strategies should consider cognitive and psychoaffective support for children with HIV-1.

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