A behavioral and cognitive profile of clinically stable HIV-infected children.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this research was to characterize behavioral and cognitive profiles of clinically and immunologically stable antiretroviral-experienced HIV-infected children.


METHODS
Two hundred seventy-four previously treated HIV-infected children aged 2 to 17 years were assessed for behavioral, developmental, and cognitive functioning. Correlations between neuropsychological measures, age, and CD4 lymphocyte count were investigated.


RESULTS
The most common behavioral problems, as measured by the Conners' Parent Rating Scale, were psychosomatic (28%), learning (25%), hyperactivity (20%), impulsive-hyperactive (19%), conduct (16%), and anxiety (8%) problems. Mean Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III scores were less than established population norms; the mean verbal IQ was 85, the mean performance IQ was 90, and the mean full-scale score was 86. Hyperactivity was more frequent in children with a Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III performance IQ of <90. Anxiety problems were more likely in children > or =9 years of age. Children with CD4 counts of <660 cells per mm3 were more likely to be identified as having a conduct disorder. No association was noted between behavioral problems and neuroimaging.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinically and immunologically stable HIV-infected children had more frequent behavioral problems and lower developmental and cognitive scores than established childhood norms.
Nozyce
Molly L
ML
Department of Pediatrics, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, New York, USA. molly.nozyce@nbhn.net
Lee
Sophia S
SS
Wiznia
Andrew
A
Nachman
Sharon
S
Mofenson
Lynne M
LM
Smith
Mary E
ME
Yogev
Ram
R
McIntosh
Kenneth
K
Stanley
Kenneth
K
Pelton
Stephen
S
D000293:Adolescent; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents