AIDSWEEKLY Plus; Monday, December 21, 2009
Staff Medical Writers

2009 DEC 21 - (NewsRx.com) -- In this recent study, researchers in Buenos Aires, Argentina conducted a study "To evaluate neurocognitive performance in patients with preserved immunological status using the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and compare patients on and off highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Cross-sectional study. Outpatients with more than 350 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter underwent evaluation by means of the IHDS, a cross-cultural scale designed to identify HIV-positive patients at risk for dementia."

"A total of 260 patients were included, 158 on HAART and viral load <1000 copies per mL and 102 treatment naive. Mean age was 38.2 (SD 8.03) years, 86% were male. Mean score was 10.9 (SD 1.77). Only age correlated with a significantly different score, younger patients performed better. When patients on and off HAART were compared, we found no significant differences in age, sex, time from diagnosis, educational level, risk factor for HIV acquisition, and current CD4 count. CD4 nadir was lower for patients on HAART: 246.0 (200.95) vs. 492.7 (233.33), P< 0.001. There was no difference between the scores obtained by patients on and off HAART (mean 11.0, SD 2.08; mean 10.8, SD 1.17; respectively, P = 0.70). There was no difference according to efavirenz use. Patients with preserved immunity performed well on IHDS," wrote G.D. Lopardo and colleagues (see also Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy).

The researchers concluded: "It didn't seem to be any difference between patients on and off HAART regarding neurocognitive status."

Lopardo and colleagues published their study in Jaids - Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (Good Neurocognitive Performance Measured by the International HIV Dementia Scale in Early HIV-1 Infection. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2009 Dec 1;52(4):488-92).

For more information, contact G.D. Lopardo, FUNCEI, Foundation Center Estudios Infectol, French 3085 C1425AWK, Buenos Aires, DF, Argentina.

Publisher contact information for the Jaids - Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes is: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.

Keywords: City:Buenos Aires, Country:Argentina, AIDS/HIV, Antivirals, Central Nervous System Disease, Dementia, HAART, Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, Immunology, Opportunistic Infections, Treatment, Viral Load, Virology

This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports.

2009-12-21
AW091208

Copyright © 2009 - Charles Henderson, Publisher. All rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce granted to AEGIS by Charles W. Henderson. Authorization to reproduce for personal use granted granted by C. W. Henderson, Publisher, provided that the fee of US$4.50 per copy, per page is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 27 Congress Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, USA. Published by Charles Henderson, Publisher. Editorial & Publishing Office: P.O. Box 5528, Atlanta, GA 30307-0528 / Telephone: (800) 633-4931; Subscription Office: P.O. Box 830409, Birmingham, AL 35283-0409 / FAX: (205) 995-1588 http://www.newsrx.net

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in December 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.