According to a study by the University of Rochester Medical Center, researchers found negative cognitive outcomes in children with HIV residing in Zambia.
“We conducted a prospective cohort study of 208 perinatally infected children with HIV ages 8–17 years, all treated with antiretroviral therapy, and 208 HIV-exposed uninfected controls. Participants were followed for 2 years,” the study’s authors explained in their report in JAIDS.
“Cognition was assessed with a custom NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, and tests were combined to generate a Summary Cognition Score (SCS). The contribution of potential risk factors to outcomes was explored using regression models and group-based trajectory modeling.”
The study indicated that early intervention through enhanced nutrition and antiretroviral therapies may be beneficial.
From the findings: “Children with HIV are at risk of poor cognitive outcomes, despite chronic treatment with antiretroviral therapy.”
