International HIV Dementia Scale Score Research Articles

Factors Associated with Neurocognitive Impairment in Treatment Experienced HIV+ Adults from a Tertiary Care Center in Ethiopia

Background: Given the improvement in life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH) in sub-Saharan Africa, the risk of asymptomatic HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) has increased. The study objectives were to investigate the prevalence of HAND and associated factors among treatment experienced adults in Ethiopia.Methods: A single-center observational cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2019 and June 2020 to investigate HAND. International HIV dementia scale (IHDS) was used to screen for the disorder. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data.Results: Total of 324 PLWH (63% females) who were on combination antiretroviral therapy for median of 144 months (IQR: 108-168) were investigated. The mean age was 42.5 years (1SD=12.2). The prevalence of HAND was 75.3% and the difference was significantly more in those above 40 years of age (65.8% vs. 80.7%, p=0.003). Age is the only risk factor identified with multivariable logistic regression analysis. A linear decrement in the total score of cognitive performance was observed as the patient’s age increase; age was responsible for 9.4% variation observed in IHDS score (r= -0.31, R2=0.094, p<0.0001). Although statistically not-significant, the trend for cardiometabolic and behavioral risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, alcohol and khat use) was higher in the group diagnosed with HAND.Conclusion: The occurrence of neurocognitive impairment was more pronounced in individuals aged 40 years and above who were HIV positive, compared to those below 40 years. Age was found to be an independent predictor of HAND. Cardiovascular and behavioral risk factors were observed more among patients with HAND compared to no-HAND.

The Actigraphy Sleep Score: A New Biomarker for Diagnosis, Disease Staging, and Monitoring in Human African Trypanosomiasis.

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) remains a serious public health problem with diagnostic and treatment challenges in many African countries. The absence of a gold-standard biomarker has been a major difficulty for accurate disease staging and treatment follow-up. We therefore attempted to develop a simple, affordable, and noninvasive biomarker for HAT diagnosis and staging. Simultaneous actigraphy and polysomnography as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell (WBC) count, trypanosome presence, and C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL)-10 cytokine levels were performed in 20 HAT patients and nine healthy individuals (controls) using standard procedures. The International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) was scored in some patients as a surrogate for clinical assessment. From actigraphic parameters, we developed a novel sleep score and used it to determine correlations with other HAT markers, and compared their performance in differentiating between patients and controls and between HAT stages. The novel actigraphy sleep score (ASS) had the following ranges: 0-25 (healthy controls), 67-103 (HAT stage I), 111-126 (HAT intermediate), and 133-250 (HAT stage II). Compared with controls, stage I patients displayed a 7-fold increase in the ASS (P < 0.01), intermediate stage patients a 10-fold increase (P < 0.001), and HAT stage II patients an almost 20-fold increase (P < 0.001). CXCL-10 showed high interindividual differences. White blood cell counts were only marked in HAT stage II patients with a high interindividual variability. The International HIV Dementia Scale score negatively correlated with the ASS. We report the development and better performance of a new biomarker, ASS, for HAT diagnosis, disease staging, and monitoring that needs to be confirmed in large cohort studies.

Female sex is strongly associated with cognitive impairment in HIV infection.

Neurocognitive disorders remain frequent despite highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). The CNS is known as the sanctuary of HIV infection, where persistent neuroinflammation occurs regardless of viral suppression. Moreover, opportunistic infections, neurovascular damage and HAART neurotoxicity contribute to neurocognitive impairment. Therefore, detailed epidemiological studies might help to elucidate those complex mechanisms. To investigate the prevalence of cognitive impairment and the associated sociodemographic, clinical and neuropsychological variables among HIV-infected patients admitted to a tertiary centre, in southern Brazil. An observational, cross-sectional and analytic study was conducted between February 2019 and March 2020, in Hospital Nereu Ramos (HNR), with148 HIV-infected patients. They were interviewed, submitted to the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and had their medical data analysed. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 69.6%. It was higher among women (OR = 3.5; 95% CI 1.5-8; p < 0.01), independently of depression, educational status and age. Full years of schooling were strongly associated with IHDS scores (p < 0.01). Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores for depression (p = 0.8), time since HIV diagnosis (p = 0.2), CD4+ cell counts (p = 0.8) and viral load (p = 0.8) were not associated with IHDS scale. A high prevalence of cognitive impairment in HIV-infected patients was identified, independently associated with the female sex and fewer years of schooling. Further studies are needed to clarify the differences in the pathophysiology between sexes and the role of cognitive reserve in prevention of cognitive impairment in HIV infection.

Cognitive screening in treatment-na\xefve HIV-infected individuals in Hong Kong \u2013 a single center study

BackgroundHIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) remains prevalent in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). The prevalence of HAND in Hong Kong is not known.MethodsBetween 2013 and 2015, 98 treatment-naïve HIV-1-infected individuals were referred to and screened by the AIDS Clinical Service, Queen Elizabeth Hospital with (1) the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS), a screening tool that targets moderate to severe HAND, (2) the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a frequently used cognitive screening test and (3) the Patient Health Questionnare-9 (PHQ-9), a 9-item questionnaire that evaluates depression symptoms. Within the study period, 57 of them completed the second set of IHDS and MoCA at 6 months after baseline assessment.ResultsMost participants were male (94%), with a median age of 31 years. At baseline, 38 (39%) and 25 (26%) of them scored below the IHDS (≤10) and MoCA (25/26) cut-offs respectively. Poor IHDS performers also scored lower on MoCA (p = 0.039) but the correlation between IHDS and MoCA performance was weak (r = 0.29, p = 0.004). Up to a third of poor IHDS performers (13/38) showed moderate depression (PHQ-9 > 9). In the multivariable analysis, a lower education level (p = 0.088), a history of prior psychiatric illness (p = 0.091) and the presence of moderate depression (p = 0.079) tended to be significantly associated with poor IHDS performance.At follow-up, 54 out of 57 were on cART, of which 46 (85%) had achieved viral suppression. Their blood CD4+ T-lymphocytes and IHDS scores were higher at follow-up compared to baseline values (both p < 0.001) but their MoCA performance was similar at both assessments. Of note, 17 participants in this subgroup scored below the IHDS cut-off at both assessments.ConclusionsPoor IHDS performance, and likely cognitive impairment, was frequently observed in treatment-naïve HIV-infected individuals in our locality. A considerable proportion continued to score below the IHDS cut-off at 6 months after cART. Depression was frequently observed in this vulnerable population and was associated with poor IHDS performance.

Diagnostic accuracy of new and old cognitive screening tools for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

Considering the similarities between HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and neurodegenerative dementias and the frequency of executive dysfunctions among HIV-positive patients, we evaluated the accuracy of the Frontal Assessment Battery and Clock-Drawing Test together with the Three Questions Test and International HIV Dementia Scale to screen for HAND. A cross-sectional monocentric study was conducted from 2010 to 2017. The index tests were represented by the four screening tools; the reference standard was represented by a comprehensive neurocognitive battery used to investigate 10 cognitive domains. Patients were screened by a trained infectious diseases physician and those showing International HIV Dementia Scale scores ≤10 and/or complaining of neurocognitive symptoms were then evaluated by a trained neuropsychologist. A total of 650 patients were screened and 281 received the full neurocognitive evaluation. HAND was diagnosed in 140 individuals. The sensitivity, specificity, correct classification rate and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were, respectively, as follows: Frontal Assessment Battery, 40.7%, 95.1%, 68.3% and 0.81; International HIV Dementia Scale, 74.4%, 56.8%, 65.4% and 0.73; Clock-Drawing Test, 30.9%, 73.4%, 53.8% and 0.56; and Three Questions Test, 37.3%, 54.1% and 45.7%. Raising the Frontal Assessment Battery's cut-off to ≤16 improved its sensitivity, specificity and correct classification rate to 78.0%, 63.9% and 70.8%, respectively. We observed poor screening performances of the Three Questions and Clock-Drawing Tests. While the International HIV Dementia Scale showed a poor specificity, the Frontal Assessment Battery showed the highest correct classification rate and a promising performance at different exploratory cut-offs.

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder in a KwaZulu-Natal HIV clinic: A prospective study.

IntroductionHIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is a consequence of HIV infection of the central nervous system. The prevalence ranges between 15% and 60% in different settings.ObjectivesThis prospective study determined the prevalence of HAND at a peri-urban HIV clinic in KwaZulu-Natal. Factors associated with HAND were examined, alternate neurocognitive tools were tested against the international HIV dementia scale (IHDS) score and an association between HAND and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) was explored.MethodsBetween May 2014 and May 2015, 146 ART-naïve outpatients were assessed for HAND. IHDS score ≤ 10 established a diagnosis of HAND. Functional capacity was assessed using Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score. Chi-squared test was used to identify risk factors for HAND. The get-up-and-go test (GUGT) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale – revised (CESD-r) were tested against the IHDS. HIV viral load done six months after initiating ART was used as a surrogate marker for adherence to ART.ResultsThe prevalence of HAND was 53%. In total, 99.9% of patients with HAND had no functional impairment. Age > 50 years old was associated with HAND (p = 0.003). There was no correlation between the GUGT, CESD-r and the IHDS score. HAND was not associated with non-adherence (p = 0.06).ConclusionsWhile the prevalence of HAND is high, it is not associated with functional impairment which suggests that asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment is prevalent. Age > 50 years old is a risk factor for HAND. The GUGT and CESD-r are not useful diagnostic tools for HAND. The relationship between HAND and non-adherence should be further explored.

Prevalence and Correlates of Probable HIV-Associated Dementia in HIV Outpatients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

This study identified prevalence and correlates of HIV-associated dementia (HAD) among people living with HIV (PLWHA) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Four hundred PLWHA completed a self-report questionnaire and were interviewed by a trained researcher to assess HAD using the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS). Clinical information concerning HIV treatment was also extracted from medical records. The results indicate the prevalence of probable HAD based on IHDS score <10.5 was 39.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.0%-44.5%). Probable HAD was significantly higher among female, older PLWHA and among those with low education level (≤ primary school), moderate level of adherence to HIV medication and HIV stage 3. Those PLWHA with depressive symptoms also had higher odds of having probable HAD (odds ratio = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.05-5.11). These findings underscore the importance of early HAD screening and appropriate referral for further assessment and management of PLWHA especially those with higher risk of HAD.

The performance of International HIV dementia Scale (IHDS) versus Mini Mental Status Examition Scale (MMSE) in assessment of HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) among HIV-Infected Tanzanian adults: a Case-Control Study

IntroductionAvailability of HAART has improved the outcome of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) though the prevalence is still high. Routine screening for HAND may offer room for early detection and prompt management that may improve overall outcome.ObjectiveTo compare the performance of International HIV dementia scale (IHDS) and Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) Scale in assessing HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.MethodsThis was a case- control study involving 351 HIV-cases and 150 HIV-negative controls. International HIV dementia scale and Mini Mental Status Examination scale were used to screen for neurocognitive deficits.ResultsFor cases, 91(25.9%) were males and 260(74.1%) were females while for 150 controls, 38(25.3%) were males and 112 (74.7%) were females. Under IHDS score 240(68.4%) of cases had HAND compared to 10(2.8%) when MMSE was used. The mean scores under MMSE for cases was 29±1.7 compared to 29.3± 1.2 for controls (p = 1.00). The mean IHDS scores for cases was 9.35 ± 1.89 compared to 10.35±0.89 (p < 0.0001) for controls.ConclusionOur findings suggests that IHDS has better sensitivity in detecting cases of HAND and perform better in identifying HIV/AIDS cases that requires further cognitive evaluation on comprehensive neuropsychological batteries.

Cerebral function tests reveal differences in HIV-infected subjects with and without chronic HCV co-infection

Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) remains prevalent in HIV-infected subjects despite effective combination antiretroviral therapy (CART). In subjects without evidence of hepatic decompensation, NCI is also a feature of chronic HCV infection. The present study aimed to examine cerebral function and establish differences between HIV-HCV co-infected (HCVco) and HIV mono-infected (HIVmo) individuals. Neurologically asymptomatic subjects with chronic HCVco were eligible and underwent computerized neurocognitive testing (CogState; CogState Ltd, Melbourne, Australia), a dementia assessment [International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS)] and memory assessment [the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ)]. Historic control data were available for 45 HIVmo individuals and differences between study groups were assessed. Twenty-seven HCVco subjects were recruited. Plasma HIV RNA was <50 copies/mL in 25/27 of HCVco subjects and all HIVmo subjects and nadir CD4+ cell count (mean ± SD) was 214 ± 166 cells/µL and 180 ± 130 cells/µL, in HCVco and HIVmo subjects, respectively. No statistically significant differences in neurocognitive parameters or PRMQ scores were observed between groups. However, a trend towards poorer executive function score was observed in HCVco subjects (p 0.106). IHDS score (mean ± SD) was poorer in HCVco subjects (10.48 ± 1.25) vs. HIVmo subjects (11.51 ±0.76), (p <0.001). In a multivariate model, increasing age and HCVco were the only factors significantly associated with poorer IHDS scores (p 0.039 and <0.001, respectively). In HIV-infected subjects stable on CART, statistically significantly poorer performance in the IHDS score was observed in subjects with HCVco, although no differences were observed after neurocognitive testing or memory assessment.

White Matter Correlates of Apathy in HIV-Positive Subjects: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

White Matter Correlates of Apathy in HIV-Positive Subjects: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

High prevalence of suspected HIV-associated dementia in adult Malawian HIV patients

HIV-associated dementia (HAD) has received little attention in sub-Saharan Africa, and there are no data available from Malawi. We used the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS), a cross-cultural, simple and validated screening tool to study the prevalence of suspected HAD, defined as an IHDS score <or=10, in adult patients of a large urban antiretroviral (ART) clinic in Blantyre, Malawi. Use of the IHDS was feasible in our setting. The overall prevalence of suspected HAD was 14.0% (95% confidence interval 8.9-19.1%); there was no significant difference in prevalence between 134 patients on ART for at least six months and 45 patients not on ART (13.4% versus 15.6%; P = 0.722). Male gender and low education level were independent risk factors of suspected HAD. More knowledge of the value of the IHDS to predict ART outcomes is required.

Neurocognitive screening tools in HIV/AIDS: comparative performance among patients exposed to antiretroviral therapy

The aim of the study was to compare the performance of several bedside neuropsychological tools for detection of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) in antiretroviral drug-exposed persons. We analysed the relative performance of the HIV Dementia Scale (HDS), International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) together with neuropsychological tests (Symbol-Digit, Grooved Pegboard and Trail Making) in HIV-1-seronegative subjects (HIV-; n=13) and in HIV-1-seropositive subjects with HAND (HIV+HAND; n=13) and other neurological disorders (HIV+OND; n=20). Established neuropsychological tests consistently showed significantly poorer performance by HIV+HAND subjects compared with the other two groups. Similarly, the mean HDS and IHDS scores were lower in the HIV+HAND group compared with the other two groups (P<0.005) while the mean MMSE score did not show significant differences between the HIV+HAND and HIV+OND groups. Receiver operator characteristics curves generated from these data using predefined cut-off scores revealed that the HDS, IHDS and MMSE displayed corresponding area under the curve values of 0.82, 0.74 and 0.48, respectively (P<0.006). The present findings indicate that the MMSE is a weak tool for diagnosing HAND in this group of patients but the HDS and IHDS demonstrate better efficiencies, although cut-off values for the HDS require reassessment in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy.