Aspectos psicosociales en una cohorte de adolescentes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana por transmisión vertical. NeuroCoRISpeS / Psychosocial aspects in a cohort of vertically transmitted human immunodeficiency virus-infected adolescents

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los avances en el tratamiento antirretroviral han mejorado la esperanza de vida de niños con infección por VIH por transmisión vertical. Sin embargo, han aparecido nuevos retos. Planteamos este estudio con el objetivo de determinar los aspectos psicosociales y el conocimiento sobre su enfermedad en una cohorte de adolescentes con infección por VIH por transmisión vertical. MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron pacientes con infección por VIH por transmisión vertical con edades comprendidas entre 12-19 años. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante entrevista semiestructurada y el Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire para cribado de trastornos emocionales y de conducta. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 96 pacientes (58% mujeres) con mediana de edad de 15 años (11-19,1) y mediana de edad del diagnóstico de 1,70 años (0-12,2). La mediana de CD4 en el momento del corte fue 626 céls/mm3 (132-998); el 72% de los pacientes presentaban una carga viral < 50 cop/ml. El 90% asistía al colegio; de ellos, el 60% había repetido algún curso. Conocían su diagnóstico el 81%. Solo el 30% conocía bien su enfermedad y el 18,2% había compartido el diagnóstico con sus amistades. Se detectaron 6 embarazos durante el periodo de estudio. El Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire mostró riesgo de hiperactividad en el 33%. CONCLUSIÓN: Se objetivan dificultades psicosociales en un elevado porcentaje de pacientes (conocimiento de la enfermedad, relación con pares, fracaso escolar...) que podrían tener impacto en su incorporación a la vida adulta. Son necesarios más estudios para profundizar en el origen y evolución de las dificultades observadas, así como intervenir para prevenir y modificar esta situación

INTRODUCTION: Thanks to advances in antiretroviral treatment, children with HIV infections through vertical transmission have improved their life expectancy. However, new challenges have emerged. We propose this study in order to determine the psychosocial aspects and knowledge of infections in a cohort of adolescents with vertically transmitted HIV infections. METHODS: Patients with vertically-acquired HIV infection between 12 and 19 years old were included. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for emotional and behavioral disorders screening. RESULTS: We evaluated 96 patients (58% females) with a median age of 15 years (11-19.1) and a median age at diagnosis of 1.70 years (0-12.2). The median CD4 count was 626 cells/mm3 (132-998), and the viral load was < 50 cp/ml in 72% of patients. Among them, 90% attended school and 60% repeated at least one course. Although 81% of them knew of their diagnosis, only 30% understood their disease, with 18.2% having discussed it with friends. Six unwanted pregnancies occurred during the study period. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire showed hyperactivity risk in 33%. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of adolescents show difficulties in several areas (disease knowledge, peer relationship, school failure...) that can have an impact on their adult lives. Further studies are needed to evaluate their origin and development in depth, as well as interventions to modify this situation

[Psychosocial aspects in a cohort of vertically transmitted human immunodeficiency virus-infected adolescents]. / Aspectos psicosociales en una cohorte de adolescentes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana por transmisión vertical. NeuroCoRISpeS.

INTRODUCTION: Thanks to advances in antiretroviral treatment, children with HIV infections through vertical transmission have improved their life expectancy. However, new challenges have emerged. We propose this study in order to determine the psychosocial aspects and knowledge of infections in a cohort of adolescents with vertically transmitted HIV infections. METHODS: Patients with vertically-acquired HIV infection between 12 and 19 years old were included. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for emotional and behavioral disorders screening. RESULTS: We evaluated 96 patients (58% females) with a median age of 15 years (11-19.1) and a median age at diagnosis of 1.70 years (0-12.2). The median CD4 count was 626cells/mm(3) (132-998), and the viral load was<50cp/ml in 72% of patients. Among them, 90% attended school and 60% repeated at least one course. Although 81% of them knew of their diagnosis, only 30% understood their disease, with 18.2% having discussed it with friends. Six unwanted pregnancies occurred during the study period. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire showed hyperactivity risk in 33%. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of adolescents show difficulties in several areas (disease knowledge, peer relationship, school failure...) that can have an impact on their adult lives. Further studies are needed to evaluate their origin and development in depth, as well as interventions to modify this situation.

Mid-term neurodevelopmental outcome in isolated mild ventriculomegaly diagnosed in fetal life.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze mid-term neurodevelopment outcome in children with isolated mild ventriculomegaly (VM) ≤12 mm diagnosed in fetal life, using the Battelle Developmental Inventory Screening Test (BDIST). METHODS: 86 cases of mild VM were identified. 68 were excluded due to: other cerebral anomalies (n = 40), extra-cerebral anomalies (n = 3), chromosomal defects (n = 4), dysmorphic syndromes (n = 4), congenital infections (n = 2), termination of pregnancy (n = 9), stillbirth (n = 2) and incomplete follow-up (n = 4). 18 cases (range 1-8 years) of isolated mild VM were included for analysis. Seven neurodevelopment domains were assessed by BDIST. RESULTS: Routine neuropediatrical evaluation detected neurological disorders in five children (28%; 3 with language impairment, one left hemiparesis and one intellectual retardation). BDIST showed some degree of neurodevelopmental delay in higher proportions: 66% in social-personal skills, 56% in gross motor skills, 39% in adaptive behavior and 28% in fine motor skills. Communicative and cognitive areas were the least affected (11 and 22% had moderate-to-severe involvement, respectively). A general trend towards worse outcomes was observed in the group of ≥4 years, although significant differences were only found for gross motor skills. CONCLUSION: Subtle neurological delays may appear during the infant period in fetuses prenatally diagnosed of isolated mild VM. In consequence, adequate measures should be established for early detection and treatment.