Brain structure of perinatally HIV-infected patients on long-term treatment: A systematic review. Issue 5 (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van den Hof, Malon; ter Haar, Anne Marleen; Caan, Matthan W.A.; Spijker, Rene; van der Lee, Johanna H.; Pajkrt, Dasja
• Is Part Of: Neurology. Volume 9:Issue 5(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- United States -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000637
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2163-0402

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: We aim to give an overview of the available evidence on brain structure and function in PHIV-infected patients (PHIV+) using long-term combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and how differences change over time. Methods: We conducted an electronic search using MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO. We used the following selection criteria: cohort and cross-sectional studies that reported on brain imaging differences between PHIV+ of all ages who used cART for at least six months before neuroimaging and HIV-negative controls. Two reviewers independently selected studies, performed data extraction, and assessed quality of studies. Results: After screening 1500 abstracts and 343 full-text articles, we identified 19 eligible articles. All included studies had a cross-sectional design and used MRI with different modalities: structural MRI (n = 7), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) (n = 6), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (n = 5), arterial spin labeling (n = 1), and resting-state functional neuroimaging (n = 1). Studies showed considerable methodological limitations and heterogeneity, preventing us to perform meta-analyses. DTI data on white matter microstructure suggested poorer directional diffusion in cART-treated PHIV+ compared with controls. Other modalities were inconclusive. Conclusion: Evidence may suggest brain structure and function differences in the population of PHIV+ on long-term cART compared with the HIV-negative population. Because of a small study population, and considerable heterogeneity and methodological limitations, the extent of brain structure and function differences on neuroimaging between groups remains unknown.