Neurocognitive Function of School-aged HIV-infected Children in Enugu, Nigeria

• Published in: Journal of tropical pediatrics (1980) 2017-12, Vol.63 (6), p.425-430
• Main Authors: Iloh, Kenechukwu K, Emodi, Ifeoma J, Ibeziako, Ngozi S, Ikefuna, Anthony N, Ubesie, Agozie C, Iloh, Ogochukwu N, Ilechukwu, Gideon C, Ayuk, Adaeze C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0142-6338; 1465-3664
• DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmx006

Evidence has shown neurocognitive problems often exist among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. There are limited data for children in Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study of 100 school-aged perinatally HIV-infected children seen in the paediatric HIV clinic and age/sex-matched controls from the general paediatric clinic. Neuro-cognitive functioning was assessed using the Raven's progressive matrices (RPM) that has been adapted for the Nigerian population. The mean RPM score of subjects was 22.97 ± 11.35 compared with 32.93 ± 15.71 among controls (p < 0.001). Twenty-two percent of subjects in the HIV-infected group vs. 56% of controls were in the above-average intelligence group on the RPM. Thirty-four percent had average scores, while 22% were in the below-average scoring range. Neuro-cognitive functioning of the subjects was significantly affected by immunologic staging and socio-economic status. Neurocognitive functioning of the HIV-infected children was significantly lower than those of their un-infected counterparts. Neurodevelopmental evaluation should be part of standard care in HIV-infected children in Nigerian setting.