Impairment In HIV Infection Research Articles

In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy in HIV and HIV-related brain diseases.

Central nervous system involvement is common in the later stages of HIV infection. The pathophysiology for the development of cognitive impairment in HIV infection is still unclear. Magnetic resonance imaging shows brain atrophy and non-specific white matter abnormalities in some of the patients with HIV dementia. In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides a biochemical profile of the brain and shows promise for furthering the understanding of the pathophysiology associated with HIV-related dementia. Moreover, MRS is a practical and non-invasive method which can help to differentiate the focal lesions of the most frequent opportunistic infections in AIDS.

Neurobehavioral functioning in a nonconfounded group of asymptomatic HIV-seropositive homosexual men

Neurobehavioral functioning was tested in 34 asymptomatic HIV-seropositive and 43 HIV-seronegative male homosexual subjects without substance abuse and CNS disorders. The HIV-positive subjects exhibited mild motor slowing compared to the seronegative subjects. These differences remained after controlling for potential cofactors. Early neurobehavioral impairment in HIV infection seems limited to subclinical motor deficits and attributable to HIV rather than possible confounding factors.

Cognitive impairment in HIV infection

HIV-infected subjects at various stages of illness but without opportunistic cerebral disease were evaluated using a comprehensive, cognitively-based neuropsychological protocol and measures of levels of depression and anxiety. The data indicated a prominent attentional disorder among impaired subjects; however, language, visual-spatial and memory functioning were not deficient. There was also evidence suggesting executive function deficit. Depression contributed a small additional component in differentiating the groups. These findings help to specify the nature of the cognitive disturbance associated with HIV encephalopathy and are consistent with the pathological effects of primary infection of the brain by HIV. In addition, they provide a specific basis for ameliorative treatment with psychostimulant medication.