Neuropsychiatric development of children with acquired immunodeficiency

The Authors describe the neuropsychological evolution of 88 children (86 born from HIV infected mothers and, 2 infected by blood products) followed up at the Institute of Infectious Diseases of the University of Pavia. All patients had a clinical, serological and immunologic evaluation done by a pediatric infectivologist and a neurological assessment (Amyeli-Tison and Towen) done by a pediatric neurologist every three months. The Mental Development was examined using the Griffith scales. Electroencephalographic, TC scan, liquor test and other invasive tests were done only in symptomatic patients when indicated. The incidence of Central Nervous System involvement by HIV virus was 24% in infected patients and 37% in children with symptomatic HIV infection; neurological symptoms were observed in coincidence with worsening of AIDS disease. Fifty-five percent of the patients had a serious developmental delays. The Authors stress the importance of an early psychological care of these patients done by a specialist physician in order to reduce the onset of developmental problems in children facing a life expectancy longer htan before due to the continuous improvement in the therapeutic management of AIDS.