Possible prevention of neurodevelopmental consequences of vertical HIV transmission in early childhood? A systematic review

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.

• Population(s)
  • Children or Youth (less than 18 years old)
  • General HIV+ population
• Prevention, Engagement and Care Cascade
  • Engagement and Care Cascade
  • Prevention
• Engagement and Care Cascade
  • Treatment
• Prevention
  • Biomedical interventions
• Mental Health
  • Neurocognitive disorders
  • Other