Review: lower cognitive scores for HIV+, HIV-exposed children

(HealthDay)—HIV-infected (HIV+) and HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) children have lower cognitive and motor scores than HIV-unexposed and uninfected (HUU) children, according to a review published online Jan. 26 in Pediatrics.

Megan S. McHenry, M.D., from Indiana University in Indianapolis, and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of data on neurodevelopmental performance between young HIV+, HEU, and HUU children. Forty-five studies were identified for inclusion in the review and 11 had Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development scores available and were included in meta-analysis.

The researchers found that HIV+ and HEU children had lower cognitive and motor scores than their HUU peers within the meta-analysis. Lower cognitive and motor scores were reported for HIV+ and HEU children with antiretroviral (ARV) exposure compared to those without ARV exposure.

"With this review, we found that both HIV+ and HEU children show worse cognitive and motor outcomes compared with HUU children," the authors write. "More research is needed to identify the impact of ARV exposure on young children."