Detection of neurocognitive disorders in patients infected by Human Immunode ciency Virus through fast screening tests

Abstract

Background: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) arehighly prevalent among people living with the virus. There are 3 clinical categories; dementia associated with HIV, mild neurocognitive disorder and asymptomatic neurocognitive disorder. Fast screening tests are used to detect them, such as HIV Dementia Scale (HDS), International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and Mini-mental test (MMSE). The objective of this research was identified through 3 fast screening tests the presence of neurocognitive impairment in patients infected by HIV and his relationship with different risks factors.

Methods: Prospective, analytical research.Exclusion criteria: patients with neuroinfections, psychiatric disorders, use of drugs, alcoholism, traumatic brain injury and history of neurosurgery.

Results: 51 patients were includedbetween 18 and 67 years old. The prevalence of HAND was 25,5%. 66% HDS, 14% IHDS and 29% MMSE presented neurocognitive impairment; and 73% HDS, 29% IHDS and 7% MMSE exhibited dementia. Significant association was found between HAND and different risk factors like, age, underweight, low educational level, less time since HIV diagnosis, low LTCD4+ count, detectable viral load and time since TARV was initiated. Besides 100% of patients had almost one antiretroviral drug with high penetration through the blood brain barrier.

Conclusions: Different levels of neurocognitive disorders varied according to the screening test used. Although all patients treated, had a least one antiretroviral drug which cross the blood brain barrier in their scheme, risk factors such asage, low educational level, underweight, detectable viral load and low LTCD4 level and less time since diagnosis of the infection were associated with different level of neurocognitive disorders.