Josep-Steiner J, Funk M, Mentzer D, Jakobi G, Kreuz W; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 108 (abstract no. Mo.B.1307).

Department of Pediatrics, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Fax: 06 9/ 6301 6491.

Introduction: Soon after the initial description of paediatric AIDS, central nervous system (CNS) involvement was recognized as a frequent manifestation. This presentation summarizes the neurological impairments, the diagnostic tools used and the therapies, in a paediatric cohort seen in our out-patient clinic. Patients: In 34 perinatally HIV-infected children time of manifestation, type and treatability of neurologic disorders were investigated for a period of 7 years (1987 - 1994). Methods: Neurological examinations were done every 6 months; EEG and MRI/CT were examined initially in the asymptomatic stage and were repeated when neurologic symptoms occured. Zidovudine therapy was started after onset of symptoms, dosage was raised, when treatment with Zidovudine had already begun (600 - 720 mg/ m 2/day). Results: Various neurological manifestations were seen in 4 of 12 patients in stage B (33%) and in 11 of 14 children in AIDS (80%). 7 of the 14 AIDS-patients (50%) developed a subacute progressive course or progressive plateau course and 4 of 14 patients (29%) showed a static course of encephalopathy. Pathological changes in EEG were observed in 54 % of investigated patients with neurological deficits. Neuroimaging revealed pathological findings in all symptomatic subjects, 6 of 11 patients in AIDS (55%) had a severe general cerebral atrophy and multifocal white matter lesions. Zidovudine had a positive temporary effect from 6 to 12 months in 5 of 11 treated patients (45%). Summary: At present a thorough neurological examination is the most sensitive method to detect neurological impairment in HIV-infected children. In most cases CT/MRI scan provides information about the course of CNS affections. Antiretroviral therapy has a limited benefit, if neurologic symptoms start after the second year of life.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• AIDS Vaccines
• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Brain
• Brain Diseases
• Central Nervous System
• Child
• Electroencephalography
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Nervous System Diseases
• Neurologic Examination
• Zidovudine

Other ID:

• 96921371

UI: 102217270

From Meeting Abstracts