Neurologic and neurobehavioral sequelae in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection

J Child Neurol. 2011 Nov;26(11):1355-64. doi: 10.1177/0883073811405203. Epub 2011 May 25.

Abstract

The range and extent of neurologic and neurobehavioral complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection in children are under-described. Seventy-eight children with HIV-1 infection (32 females) were assessed for neurologic complications. Forty-six children had abnormal neurology examinations. Thirty-three children had global pyramidal tract signs, 5 had a hemiparesis, 4 had peripheral neuropathy, 18 had visual impairment, and 5 had hearing impairment. Thirty-nine of 63 children over 1 year of age had neurobehavioral problems. Of 24 children with HIV encephalopathy, 74% had severe immunosuppression and 45% were not receiving antiretroviral therapy. Twelve children had prior opportunistic central nervous system infections, and 9 had epilepsy. Diverse neurologic and neurobehavioral deficits are common in children with HIV-1 infection. Children with severe immunosuppression, who were not receiving antiretroviral therapy, were growth impaired and less than 1 year of age, were at greatest risk for developing neurologic complications.

MeSH terms

  • Behavioral Symptoms / diagnosis
  • Behavioral Symptoms / etiology*
  • Behavioral Symptoms / virology
  • CD4 Antigens / metabolism
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developmental Disabilities / etiology*
  • Developmental Disabilities / virology
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / virology

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens