Review article

POSSIBLE PREVENTION OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF VERTICAL HIV TRANSMISSION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Johanna Muhigana ; Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Bruxelles, Belgique
Rwego Antoine Gasasira ; Expert Santé Publique, Genève, Suisse
Hélène Nicolis ; Service de Santé Mentale à l'ULB, Bruxelles, Belgique

Abstract

Background: Children infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) exhibit the lowest neurodevelopmental scores. Mother-to-child-transmission prevention include perinatally and early antiretroviral therapy (ART) although long-term effects of in utero exposure to ART on neurodevelopment remain unclear. It was difficult to determine whether these reported neurodevelopmental scores were a direct result of HIV. Methods: A systematic search was conducted to identify the environmental and neurobiological factors associated with HIV infection and their impact on neurodevelopment. It was carried out across four electronic databases: Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. We selected 15 articles published between 2012 and 2024. Results: Regarding ART, 4 articles reported a positive effect of ART regardless of the age of initiation and duration. We couldn't identify caregiver distress as a risk factor. Conclusions: Further research should include large cohort studies assessing long term consequences of ART exposition on children's neurodevelopment and impact of caregiver distress on child neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Keywords

HIV; neurodevelopmental; child; prevention; psychopathology

Hrčak ID:

344080

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/344080

Publication date:

20.9.2025.

Visits: 146 *