Assessment of neurocognitive functions in HIV/AIDS patients on HAART using the international HIV dementia scale
S. Saini, K. V. Barar
Oct 1, 2014
Citations
23
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
International journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases
Full text
Semantic Scholar
Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: HIV-positive patients on HAART have a 32.50% prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, suggesting the need for routine screening and early detection of neurocognitive deficits.
Abstract
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals on National AIDS Control Organization's (NACO)-India-Based-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen often continue experiencing neurological complications, referred to as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Objectives: The prime objective is to assess the status of neurocognitive functions among HIV-infected individuals on HAART, using the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS). Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out between October 2011 and September 2012, on 80 HIV-positive individuals, randomly selected from the ART Centre of PBM and AG Hospital, Bikaner, India. The patients were clinically examined and tested using IHDS. Results: All the subjects on HAART were found to have HAND-prevalence at 32.50%. Asymptomatic Neurocognitive Impairment (ANI) and HIV-associated Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) were observed in 30 and 2.5% of the patients, respectively, and HIV-associated Dementia (HAD) was absent. Conclusion: In our study the IHDS Score was abnormal, that is, ≤10, in 32.50% of the patients, which shows probable neurocognitive impairment in the study subjects. This suggests the need to routinely screen HIV-positive patients, to recognize the neurocognitive deficits at an early stage and the IHDS may have great value as a screening test for HAND.