Neurocognitive and quality of life study in perinatally HIV-infected young people and their peers. NeuroCoRISpeS study

Abstract

Background: Assessing the role of HIV and non-HIV related factors is essential for a better understanding of the neurocognitive outcomes in perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV+) young people. The aim of our study was to assess cognition and quality of life (QoL) of a PHIV+ cohort of young people and to compare it with a control group.

Methods: Thirty PHIV+ and 30 HIV(-) healthy young adults matched by age, sex and socioeconomic status completed a protocol that included neurocognitive tests, a psychosocial semi-structured interview and a QoL questionnaire (PedsQL). Neurocognitive domain-specific and domain-general (NPZ-5) Z-scores were calculated. CDC AIDS-defining category C or not C (PHIV+/C, PHIV+/noC) was considered to evaluate differences within the PHIV+ group. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed.

Results: Sixty patients were included; 67% were female; median age (IQR) 19 years (18-21). Regarding PHIV+ young people, 27% showed CDC C category (none encephalopathy), 93% were on ART and 77% had undetectable viral load. No differences regarding occupation were found, although the HIV(-) group repeated less grades (p=0.028) and had a higher education level (p=0.021). No differences were found between PHIV+/noC and HIV(-) participants. However, the PHIV+/C group showed poorer performance than PHIV+/noC (NPZ-5, p=0.037) and HIV(-) subjects (crystallised intelligence, p=0.025; intelligence quotient, p=0.016). Higher nadir CD4+ T-cell count was related to better Z-score in memory (p=0.007) and NPZ-5 (p=0.025). Earlier and longer exposure to ART resulted in better performance in memory (p=0.004) and executive functions (p=0.015), respectively.

Conclusions: No significant differences were found in the neurocognitive profile nor QoL between PHIV+/noC and HIV(-) adolescents; however, PHIV+/C participants obtained lower scores. The use of longer and earlier ART seems to have a beneficial effect.

Keywords: HIV; Neurocognitive; Neurocognitivo; Perinatal HIV; Transmisión vertical; VIH; VIH perinatal; Vertical transmission.