Charles B. Hicks, MD reviewing Sacktor N et al. Neurology 2016 Jan 26.

Data from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study show little evidence of progression or increased prevalence of HAND over time.

Appreciation of the range of neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected individuals led to improved classification of the spectrum of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in 2007, including recognition of milder forms of the disorder. Despite the effectiveness of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the prevalence of milder forms of HAND remains relatively high. Now, researchers have assessed longitudinal data collected between 2007 and 2012 in 197 gay men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS).

During the 4 years of observation, progression of HAND was uncommon among those with suppressed viremia: 77% of patients remained in their initial diagnosed stage, 13% progressing to a more severe stage, and 10% regressing to a less severe stage. Among many variables assessed, only elevated cholesterol was associated with progression.

Citation(s):

Sacktor N et al. Prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. Neurology 2016 Jan 26; 86:334.

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