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Wedderburn CJ, Yeung S, Groenewold NA, Rehman AM, Subramoney S, Fouche JP, Joshi SH, Narr KL, Hoffman N, Roos A, Gibb DM, Zar HJ, Stein DJ, Donald KA. Subcortical Brain Volumes and Neurocognitive Function in Children With Perinatal HIV Exposure: A Population-Based Cohort Study in South Africa. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae317. [PMID: 39022390 PMCID: PMC11253430 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected (HEU) are at risk for early neurodevelopmental impairment. Smaller basal ganglia nuclei have been reported in neonates who are HEU compared to HIV-unexposed (HU); however, neuroimaging studies outside infancy are scarce. We examined subcortical brain structures and associations with neurocognition in children who are HEU. Methods This neuroimaging study was nested within the Drakenstein Child Health Study birth cohort in South Africa. We compared (T1-weighted) magnetic resonance imaging-derived subcortical brain volumes between children who were HEU (n = 70) and HU (n = 92) at age 2-3 years using linear regression. Brain volumes were correlated with neurodevelopmental outcomes measured with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III. Results Compared to HU children, on average children who were HEU had 3% lower subcortical grey matter volumes. Analyses of individual structures found smaller volume of the putamen nucleus in the basal ganglia (-5% difference, P = .016) and the hippocampus (-3% difference, P = .044), which held on adjustment for potential confounders (P < .05). Maternal viremia and lower CD4 count in pregnancy were associated with smaller child putamen volumes. Children who were HEU had lower language scores than HU; putamen and hippocampus volumes were positively correlated with language outcomes. Conclusions Overall, children who are HEU had a pattern of smaller subcortical volumes in the basal ganglia and hippocampal regions compared to HU children, which correlated with language function. Findings suggest that optimizing maternal perinatal HIV care is important for child brain development. Further studies are needed to investigate underlying mechanisms and long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Wedderburn
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nynke A Groenewold
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrea M Rehman
- Medical Research Council Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sivenesi Subramoney
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jean-Paul Fouche
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shantanu H Joshi
- Department of Neurology and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Katherine L Narr
- Department of Neurology and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nadia Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Annerine Roos
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Diana M Gibb
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kirsten A Donald
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Green F, du Plooy C, Rehman AM, Nhapi RT, Lake MT, Barnett W, Hoffman N, Zar HJ, Donald KA, Stein DJ, Wedderburn CJ. Language outcomes of preschool children who are HIV-exposed uninfected: An analysis of a South African cohort. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297471. [PMID: 38598467 PMCID: PMC11006185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are approximately 16 million children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected (CHEU) worldwide. Studies suggest that CHEU are at risk for developmental impairment in infancy, particularly in language domains. However, there is limited research examining neurocognitive function in CHEU older than 2 years, including important pre-school years. This study aimed to investigate associations between HIV exposure without infection and neurocognitive outcomes and to determine risk factors for neurodevelopment in CHEU at age 3-4 years. METHODS The Drakenstein Child Health Study is a South African population-based birth cohort which enrolled women in pregnancy with ongoing follow up. Neurocognitive outcomes were assessed in children at 3.5 years by trained assessors blinded to HIV status including general cognitive function, language, and memory, measured using the Kaufmann Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (KABC-II). Data were compared between CHEU and children who were HIV-unexposed uninfected (CHUU) using multivariable logistic and linear regression, including testing for effect modification; sex-stratified risk factor analyses were performed. RESULTS A total of 497 children were included (97 [20%] CHEU; 400 [80%] CHUU; 50% male), with a mean age of 3.5 years (range 3.4-3.6). Groups had similar birth and household characteristics, although mothers of CHEU were older, on average. Overall, CHEU had lower expressive language scores compared to CHUU on unadjusted and adjusted analyses (effect size: -0.23 [95% CI -0.45, -0.01]). There were no group differences in general cognitive or memory function (p>0.05). On sex-stratified analyses, male CHEU were found to have higher odds of suboptimal cognitive development compared to male CHUU (aOR 2.28 [95% CI 1.06, 4.87], p = 0.034). Several other factors including birthweight, maternal education, maternal ART duration and HIV viral load during pregnancy were associated with cognition, memory, or expressive language outcomes in CHEU, dependent on child sex. INTERPRETATION The findings suggest that perinatal HIV exposure continues to be associated with impaired language development across the preschool years, highlighting the importance of targeting early interventions to optimise language outcomes. Further, the results suggest the importance of demographic, biological and HIV-related variables influencing developmental outcomes in CHEU. The greater risk of suboptimal cognitive development in male CHEU requires investigation around sex-specific mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freddy Green
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher du Plooy
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrea M. Rehman
- MRC International Statistics & Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond T. Nhapi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marilyn T. Lake
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Whitney Barnett
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Nadia Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather J. Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kirsten A. Donald
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J. Stein
- Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- SAMRC, Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Catherine J. Wedderburn
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Wedderburn CJ, Yeung S, Subramoney S, Fouche JP, Joshi SH, Narr KL, Rehman AM, Roos A, Gibb DM, Zar HJ, Stein DJ, Donald KA. Association of in utero HIV exposure with child brain structure and language development: a South African birth cohort study. BMC Med 2024; 22:129. [PMID: 38519887 PMCID: PMC10960435 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03282-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing population of children with in utero HIV exposure who are at risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes despite avoiding HIV infection. However, the underlying neurobiological pathways are not understood and neuroimaging studies are lacking. We aimed to investigate the cortical brain structure of children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected (HEU) compared to HIV-unexposed (HU) children and to examine the relationship with neurodevelopment. METHODS The Drakenstein Child Health birth cohort study enrolled pregnant women from a high HIV prevalence area in South Africa with longitudinal follow-up of mother-child pairs. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans from 162 children (70 HEU; 92 HU) were acquired at 2-3 years of age. All HEU children were born to mothers taking antiretroviral therapy. Measures of brain structure (cortical thickness and surface area) in the prefrontal cortex regions were extracted from T1-weighted images and compared between groups using multivariate analysis of variance and linear regression. Child development, assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III, was correlated with cortical structure, and mediation analyses were performed. RESULTS Analyses demonstrated an association between HIV exposure and cortical thickness across the prefrontal cortex (p = 0.035). Children who were HEU had thicker cortices in prefrontal regions, with significantly greater cortical thickness in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) bilaterally compared to HU children (3.21 mm versus 3.14 mm, p = 0.009, adjusted effect size 0.44 [95% CI 0.12 to 0.75]). Estimates held across multiple sensitivity analyses. There were no group differences in cortical surface area. Language scores, which were lower in HEU versus HU children (81.82 versus 86.25, p = 0.011, effect size - 0.44 [95% CI - 0.78 to - 0.09]), negatively correlated with prefrontal cortical thickness in both groups. Cortical thickness in the mOFC mediated the relationship between HIV exposure and poor language outcomes (Sobel test p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort study, exposure to HIV during pregnancy was associated with altered cortical structure in early life. Our findings indicate that differences in cortical thickness development in the prefrontal region in children who are HEU may be a pathway leading to language impairment. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the lasting impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Wedderburn
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sivenesi Subramoney
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jean-Paul Fouche
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shantanu H Joshi
- Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine L Narr
- Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrea M Rehman
- MRC International Statistics & Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Annerine Roos
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- SA MRC Unit On Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Diana M Gibb
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- SA MRC Unit On Child & Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- SA MRC Unit On Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kirsten A Donald
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Goulding AN, Meeks K, Shay L, Casey S, Applegarth C, McKinney J. Antiretroviral Therapy in Pregnancy: A 2023 Review of the Literature. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2024; 21:1-10. [PMID: 38277098 PMCID: PMC11095844 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-024-00688-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Selection of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy must consider maternal physiology and resulting pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy, resistance and efficacy profiles, tolerability and frequency of adverse effects, teratogenicity, and maternal, neonatal, and pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this review is to summarize the underlying data that informs the current clinical perinatal guidelines in the USA. RECENT FINDINGS Data now supports the use of dolutegravir at all stages of pregnancy with no significant increase in neural tube defects. Safety and pharmacokinetic data on newer antiretroviral medications in pregnancy continue to lag behind the general population. While there are multiple safety and tolerability concerns with older regimens, there are now multiple options of regimens that are highly efficacious and have good safety data in pregnancy. Most pregnant patients who are virally suppressed on a well-tolerated regimen are able to safely continue those medications during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison N Goulding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kasey Meeks
- School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lena Shay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sarah Casey
- School of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Colton Applegarth
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer McKinney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Powis KM, Lebanna L, Schenkel S, Masasa G, Kgole SW, Ngwaca M, Kgathi C, Williams PL, Slogrove AL, Shapiro RL, Lockman S, Mmalane MO, Makhema JM, Jao J, Cassidy AR. Lower academic performance among children with perinatal HIV exposure in Botswana. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26 Suppl 4:e26165. [PMID: 37909233 PMCID: PMC10618869 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies have reported a higher risk of suboptimal neurodevelopment among children who are HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) compared to children HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU). Actual academic performance among school-aged children by HIV exposure status has not been studied. METHODS Academic performance in Mathematics, Science, English, Setswana and overall among children enrolled in the Botswana-based FLOURISH study who were attending public primary school and ranging in age from 7.1 to 14.6 years were compared by HIV exposure status using a Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. Lower academic performance was defined as a grade of "C" or lower (≤60%). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were fit to assess for an association between HIV exposure and lower academic performance. RESULTS Between April 2021 and December 2022, 398 children attending public primary school enrolled in the FLOURSH study, 307 (77%) were HEU. Median age was 9.4 years (IQR 8.9-10.2). Only 17.9% of children HEU were breastfeed versus 100% of children HUU. Among children HEU, 80.3% had foetal exposure to three-drug antiretroviral treatment, 18.7% to zidovudine only and 1.0% had no antiretroviral exposure. Caregivers of children HEU were older compared to caregivers of children HUU (median 42 vs. 36 years) and more likely to have no or primary education only (15.0% vs. 1.1%). In unadjusted analyses, children HEU were more likely to have lower overall academic performance compared to their children HUU (odds ratio [OR]: 1.96 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 3.30]), and lower performance in Mathematics, Science and English. The association was attenuated after adjustment for maternal education, caregiver income, breastfeeding, low birth weight and child sex (aOR: 1.86 [95% CI: 0.78, 4.43]). CONCLUSIONS In this Botswana-based cohort, primary school academic performance was lower among children HEU compared to children HUU. Biological and socio-demographic factors, including child sex, appear to contribute to this difference. Further research is needed to identify modifiable contributors, develop screening tools to identify the risk of poor academic performance and design interventions to mitigate risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Powis
- Department of Internal Medicine and PediatricsMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious DiseasesHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Botswana Harvard Health PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
| | - Lesedi Lebanna
- Department of Curriculum Development and EvaluationBotswana Ministry of Basic EducationGaboroneBotswana
| | - Sara Schenkel
- Department of Internal Medicine and PediatricsMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Paige L. Williams
- Departments of Biostatistics and EpidemiologyHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Amy L. Slogrove
- Department of Paediatrics & Child HealthFaculty of Medicine and Health SciencesStellenbosch UniversityWorcesterSouth Africa
| | - Roger L. Shapiro
- Department of Immunology and Infectious DiseasesHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Botswana Harvard Health PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Department of Immunology and Infectious DiseasesHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Botswana Harvard Health PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Division of Infectious DiseasesBrigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | | | - Jennifer Jao
- Botswana Harvard Health PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Department of PediatricsNorthwestern Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Adam R. Cassidy
- Botswana Harvard Health PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Departments of Psychiatry & Psychology and Pediatric & Adolescent MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
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Bulterys MA, Njuguna I, King'e M, Chebet D, Moraa H, Gomez L, Onyango A, Malavi K, Nzia G, Chege M, Neary J, Wagner AD, Lawley KA, Wamalwa D, Benki-Nugent S, John-Stewart G. Neurodevelopment of children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected in Kenya. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26 Suppl 4:e26149. [PMID: 37909174 PMCID: PMC10618871 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Predictors of neurodevelopment among children who are HIV-exposed uninfected (CHEU) are poorly understood. METHODS Mothers with and without HIV and their children were enrolled during 6-week postnatal care visits across seven sites in Kenya between March 2021 and June 2022. Infant neurodevelopment was assessed using the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool, including social, language, fine motor and gross motor domains. We used multivariate linear mixed effects models to identify associations between 1-year neurodevelopment scores, HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposures, and household factors, adjusted for potential confounders and clustered by the site. RESULTS At 1-year evaluation, CHEU (n = 709) and children who are HIV-unexposed uninfected (CHUU) (n = 715) had comparable median age (52 weeks) and sex distribution (49% vs. 52% female). Mothers living with HIV were older (31 vs. 27 years), had lower education (50% vs. 26% primary) and were more likely to be report moderate-to-severe food insecurity (26% vs. 9%) (p < 0.01 for all). Compared to CHUU, CHEU had higher language scores (adjusted coeff: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.39) and comparable social, fine and gross motor scores. Among all children, preterm birth was associated with lower gross motor scores (adjusted coeff: -1.38, 95% CI: -2.05, -0.71), food insecurity was associated with lower social scores (adjusted coeff: -0.37, 95% CI: -0.73, -0.01) and maternal report of intimate partner violence (IPV) was associated with lower fine motor (adjusted coeff: -0.76, 95% CI: -1.40, -0.13) and gross motor scores (adjusted coeff: -1.07, 95% CI: -1.81, -0.33). Among CHEU, in utero efavirenz (EFV) exposure during pregnancy was associated with lower gross motor scores compared to dolutegravir (DTG) exposure (adjusted coeff: -0.51, 95% CI: -1.01, -0.03). Lower fine and gross motor scores were also associated with having a single or widowed mother (adjusted coeff: -0.45, 95% CI: -0.87, -0.03) or a deceased or absent father (adjusted coeff: -0.81, 95% CI: -1.58, -0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Biologic and social factors were associated with child neurodevelopment. Despite socio-demographic differences between CHEU and CHUU, 1-year neurodevelopment was similar. Addressing IPV and food insecurity may provide benefits regardless of maternal HIV status. DTG use was associated with higher neurodevelopmental scores in CHEU, compared to EFV regimens, potentially contributing to a lack of neurodevelopmental difference between CHEU and CHUU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Bulterys
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Irene Njuguna
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maureen King'e
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daisy Chebet
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Laurén Gomez
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jillian Neary
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anjuli D Wagner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kendall A Lawley
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dalton Wamalwa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Benki-Nugent
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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7
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Bulterys MA, Njuguna I, Mahy M, Gulaid LA, Powis KM, Wedderburn CJ, John-Stewart G. Neurodevelopment among children exposed to HIV and uninfected in sub-Saharan Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26 Suppl 4:e26159. [PMID: 37909232 PMCID: PMC10618877 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The population of 16 million children exposed to HIV and uninfected (CHEU) under 15 years of age continues to expand rapidly, and the estimated prevalence of CHEU exceeds 20% in several countries in sub-Saharan Africa with high HIV prevalence. Some evidence suggests that CHEU experience suboptimal neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to children born to women without HIV. In this commentary, we discuss the latest research on biologic and socio-behavioural factors associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes among CHEU. DISCUSSION Some but not all studies have noted that CHEU are at risk of poorer neurodevelopment across multiple cognitive domains, most notably in language and motor skills, in diverse settings, ages and using varied assessment tools. Foetal HIV exposure can adversely influence infant immune function, structural brain integrity and growth trajectories. Foetal exposure to antiretrovirals may also influence outcomes. Moreover, general, non-CHEU-specific risk factors for poor neurodevelopment, such as preterm birth, food insecurity, growth faltering and household violence, are amplified among CHEU; addressing these factors will require multi-factorial solutions. There is a need for rigorous harmonised approaches to identify children at the highest risk of delay. In high-burden HIV settings, existing maternal child health programmes serving the general population could adopt structured early child development programmes that educate healthcare workers on CHEU-specific risk factors and train them to conduct rapid neurodevelopmental screening tests. Community-based interventions targeting parent knowledge of optimal caregiving practices have shown to be successful in improving neurodevelopmental outcomes in children and should be adapted for CHEU. CONCLUSIONS CHEU in sub-Saharan Africa have biologic and socio-behavioural factors that may influence their neurodevelopment, brain maturation, immune system and overall health and wellbeing. Multidisciplinary research is needed to disentangle complex interactions between contributing factors. Common environmental and social risk factors for suboptimal neurodevelopment in the general population are disproportionately magnified within the CHEU population, and it is, therefore, important to draw on existing knowledge when considering the socio-behavioural pathways through which HIV exposure could impact CHEU neurodevelopment. Approaches to identify children at greatest risk for poor outcomes and multisectoral interventions are needed to ensure optimal outcomes for CHEU in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Bulterys
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Irene Njuguna
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Laurie A Gulaid
- UNICEF, eastern and southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Katheen M Powis
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine J Wedderburn
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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8
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Zizioli D, Ferretti S, Tiecco G, Mignani L, Monti E, Castelli F, Quiros-Roldan E, Zanella I. Comparison of Efavirenz and Doravirine Developmental Toxicity in an Embryo Animal Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11664. [PMID: 37511423 PMCID: PMC10380689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past, one of the most widely used non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) in first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) of HIV infection was efavirenz (EFV), which is already used as a cost-effective treatment in developing countries due to its efficacy, tolerability, and availability. However, EFV also demonstrates several adverse effects, like hepatotoxicity, altered lipid profile, neuropsychological symptoms, and behavioral effects in children after in utero exposure. In 2018, another NNRTI, doravirine (DOR), was approved due to its similar efficacy but better safety profile. Preclinical safety studies demonstrated that DOR is not genotoxic and exhibits no developmental toxicity or effects on fertility in rats. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos have been widely accepted as a vertebrate model for pharmacological and developmental studies. We used zebrafish embryos as an in vivo model to investigate the developmental toxicity of DOR compared to EFV. After exposure of the embryos to the drugs from the gastrula stage up to different developmental stages (30 embryos for each arm, in three independent experiments), we assessed their survival, morphology, hatching rate, apoptosis in the developing head, locomotion behavior, vasculature development, and neutral lipid distribution. Overall, DOR showed a better safety profile than EFV in our model. Therapeutic and supra-therapeutic doses of DOR induced very low mortality [survival rates: 92, 90, 88, 88, and 81% at 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM, respectively, at 24 h post fecundation (hpf), and 88, 85, 88, 89, and 75% at the same doses, respectively, at 48 hpf] and mild morphological alterations compared to EFV exposure also in the sub-therapeutic ranges (survival rates: 80, 77, 69, 63, and 44% at 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM, respectively, at 24 hpf and 72, 70, 63, 52, and 0% at the same doses, respectively, at 48 hpf). Further, DOR only slightly affected the hatching rate at supra-therapeutic doses (97, 98, 96, 87, and 83% at 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM, respectively, at 72 hpf), while EFV already strongly reduced hatching at sub-therapeutic doses (83, 49, 11, 0, and 0% at 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM, respectively, at the same time endpoint). Both DOR at therapeutic doses and most severely EFV at sub-therapeutic doses enhanced apoptosis in the developing head during crucial phases of embryo neurodevelopment and perturbed the locomotor behavior. Furthermore, EFV strongly affected angiogenesis and disturbed neutral lipid homeostasis even at sub-therapeutic doses compared to DOR at therapeutic concentrations. Our findings in zebrafish embryos add further data confirming the higher safety of DOR with respect to EFV regarding embryo development, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and lipid metabolism. Further studies are needed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the better pharmacological safety profile of DOR, and further human studies are required to confirm these results in the zebrafish animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Zizioli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Ferretti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Tiecco
- Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Mignani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenio Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenia Quiros-Roldan
- Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Isabella Zanella
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Diagnostic Department, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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9
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Foster EG, Palermo NY, Liu Y, Edagwa B, Gendelman HE, Bade AN. Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases by HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitors. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1113032. [PMID: 36896351 PMCID: PMC9988942 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1113032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
More than fifteen million women with the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection are of childbearing age world-wide. Due to improved and affordable access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), the number of in utero antiretroviral drug (ARV)-exposed children has exceeded a million and continues to grow. While most recommended ART taken during pregnancy suppresses mother to child viral transmission, the knowledge of drug safety linked to fetal neurodevelopment remains an area of active investigation. For example, few studies have suggested that ARV use can be associated with neural tube defects (NTDs) and most notably with the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) dolutegravir (DTG). After risk benefit assessments, the World Health Organization (WHO) made recommendations for DTG usage as a first and second-line preferred treatment for infected populations including pregnant women and those of childbearing age. Nonetheless, long-term safety concerns remain for fetal health. This has led to a number of recent studies underscoring the need for biomarkers to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying long-term neurodevelopmental adverse events. With this goal in mind, we now report the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activities by INSTIs as an ARV class effect. Balanced MMPs activities play a crucial role in fetal neurodevelopment. Inhibition of MMPs activities by INSTIs during neurodevelopment could be a potential mechanism for adverse events. Thus, comprehensive molecular docking testing of the INSTIs, DTG, bictegravir (BIC), and cabotegravir (CAB), against twenty-three human MMPs showed broad-spectrum inhibition. With a metal chelating chemical property, each of the INSTI were shown to bind Zn++ at the MMP's catalytic domain leading to MMP inhibition but to variable binding energies. These results were validated in myeloid cell culture experiments demonstrating MMP-2 and 9 inhibitions by DTG, BIC and CAB and even at higher degree than doxycycline (DOX). Altogether, these data provide a potential mechanism for how INSTIs could affect fetal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma G. Foster
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Nicholas Y. Palermo
- Computational Chemistry Core, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Yutong Liu
- Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Benson Edagwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Howard E. Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NeE, United States
| | - Aditya N. Bade
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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10
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Poliektov NE, Badell ML. Antiretroviral Options and Treatment Decisions During Pregnancy. Paediatr Drugs 2023; 25:267-282. [PMID: 36729360 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-023-00559-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The majority of pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are the result of vertical transmissions that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The treatment of all pregnant persons living with HIV remains a global health initiative. Early and consistent use of antiretroviral therapy throughout pregnancy and childbirth drastically reduces the risk of perinatal transmission of HIV, resulting in fewer children living with the disease worldwide. Given that the maternal HIV viral load is the strongest predictor of perinatal transmission, suppressive antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy is the principal means to eliminate transmission of HIV from mother to child. With the use of combined antiretroviral therapy, typically with dual-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors plus an integrase strand transfer inhibitor or a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor, HIV-infected mothers can now achieve virologic suppression to undetectable levels and yield a perinatal transmission rate of less than 2%. Important considerations of HIV treatment in pregnancy include the safety and efficacy of antiretroviral drugs, altered pregnancy-related pharmacokinetics, potential for birth defects or adverse neonatal outcomes, and individualized delivery planning based on maternal viral load. This practical review article summarizes the options, considerations, and recommendations for antiretroviral treatment in pregnancy to reduce perinatal HIV transmission and optimize health outcomes for mothers and infants worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E Poliektov
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Martina L Badell
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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11
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Eke AC, Mirochnick M, Lockman S. Antiretroviral Therapy and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in People Living with HIV. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:344-356. [PMID: 36720135 PMCID: PMC10400304 DOI: 10.1056/nejmra2212877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahizechukwu C Eke
- From the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and the Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore (A.C.E.); the Department of Pediatrics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (M.M.), the Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital (S.L.), and the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (S.L.) - all in Boston; and the Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana (S.L.)
| | - Mark Mirochnick
- From the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and the Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore (A.C.E.); the Department of Pediatrics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (M.M.), the Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital (S.L.), and the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (S.L.) - all in Boston; and the Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana (S.L.)
| | - Shahin Lockman
- From the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and the Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore (A.C.E.); the Department of Pediatrics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (M.M.), the Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital (S.L.), and the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (S.L.) - all in Boston; and the Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana (S.L.)
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12
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Fowler MG, Hanrahan C, Yende N, Stranix-Chibanda L, Chipato T, Maliwichi L, Gadama L, Aizire J, Dadabhai S, Chinula L, Wambuzi-Owang L, Owor M, Violari A, Nyati M, Hanley S, Govender V, Brummel S, Taha T. Neurodevelopmental outcomes of HIV/antiretroviral drug perinatally exposed uninfected children aged 3-6 years. AIDS 2022; 36:1533-1543. [PMID: 35730383 PMCID: PMC9563003 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given the roll out of maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) for prevention-of-perinatal-HIV-transmission, increasing numbers of children are perinatally HIV/antiretroviral exposed but uninfected (CAHEU). Some studies suggest CAHEU may be at increased risk for neurodevelopmental (ND) deficits. We aimed to assess ND performance among preschool CAHEU. DESIGN This cross-sectional study assessed ND outcomes among 3-6-year-old CAHEU at entry into a multicountry cohort study. METHODS We used the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) and Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II) to assess ND status among 3-6-year-old CAHEU at entry into the PROMISE Ongoing Treatment Evaluation (PROMOTE) study conducted in Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Statistical analyses (Stata 16.1) was used to generate group means for ND composite scores and subscale scores, compared to standardized test score means. We used multivariable analysis to adjust for known developmental risk factors including maternal clinical/socioeconomic variables, child sex, growth-for-age measurements, and country. RESULTS 1647 children aged 3-6 years had baseline ND testing in PROMOTE; group-mean unadjusted Cognitive Composite scores on the MSEL were 85.8 (standard deviation [SD]: 18.2) and KABC-II were 79.5 (SD: 13.2). Composite score group-mean differences were noted by country, with South African and Zimbabwean children having higher scores. In KABC-II multivariable analyses, maternal age >40 years, lower education, male sex, and stunting were associated with lower composite scores. CONCLUSIONS Among a large cohort of 3-6 year old CAHEU from eastern/southern Africa, group-mean composite ND scores averaged within the low-normal range; with differences noted by country, maternal clinical and socioeconomic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Glenn Fowler
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Colleen Hanrahan
- Department of Epidemiology, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nonhlanhla Yende
- Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban South Africa
| | | | - Tsungai Chipato
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Limbika Maliwichi
- Johns Hopkins Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Luis Gadama
- Johns Hopkins Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jim Aizire
- Department of Epidemiology, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sufia Dadabhai
- Department of Epidemiology, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Lillian Wambuzi-Owang
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maxensia Owor
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Avy Violari
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Johannesburg
| | | | - Sherika Hanley
- CAPRISA - Umlazi Clinical Research Site, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Vani Govender
- CAPRISA - Umlazi Clinical Research Site, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sean Brummel
- Center for Biostatistics AIDS Research, T. H. Chen School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Taha Taha
- Department of Epidemiology, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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13
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Rencken G, Govender P, Uys CJE. Neurobehavioural challenges experienced by HIV exposed infants: a study in South Africa. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:479. [PMID: 35933329 PMCID: PMC9356445 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03526-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The newborn infant is a complexly organized, competent being, who plays an active role in shaping their environment through their increasing skills in autonomic regulation, motor control, regulation of state and social interaction. Infants born to HIV positive mothers, are exposed to HIV and antiretroviral therapy inutero, and may experience adverse effects from this. Methods A cross-sectional study of 132 mother-infant dyads from a large public health hospital in South Africa. Infants were assessed using the Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale on day two of life, and mothers mental health assessed using the Edinburugh Postnatal Depression Scale. Medical and demographic data on mothers and infants was collected, including maternal age, HIV status, length of time on antiretrovirals, relationship status, employment status, gravid status, mode of delivery, infant anthropometrics and infant gender. Data was input into IBM SPSS statistics 21, where frequencies and percentages for descriptive analysis, and Chi-square and student’s two sample t-tests were run to compare data from HIV infected-exposed and HIV uninfected-unexposed mothers and infants. Results HIV exposed infants were smaller than HIV unexposed infants, even though low birth weight was an exclusion criteria. Statistically significant differences were found between HIV exposed and unexposed infants in neurobehavioiral items of social interaction (p = 0.00), motor system (p = 0.00) and state organization (p = 0.01), with HIV exposed infants performing less optimally in these domains. HIV exposed infants also presented with more abnormal reflexes. Infants born to depressed mothers showed superior motor skills, state organization and state regulation than infants born to mothers who did not score in the possibly depressed range. Conclusions HIV exposed infants have inferior neurobehavioural functioning, which may affect their quality of life and ability to develop a reciprocal relationship with a primary caregiver. This may have an effect on development, behaviour and mental health in later childhood. HIV exposed infants shoud be monitored closely and their functioning in autonomic stability, motor control, resualtion of state and social interaction assessed regularly. Guidance for caregivers in incorporating strategies into the care of these infants is essential to buffer the possible long term negative effects on development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Rencken
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Kwazulu Natal (South Africa), Durban, South Africa. .,Department of Occupational Therapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Pragashnie Govender
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Kwazulu Natal (South Africa), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Occupational Therapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Catharina J E Uys
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pretoria (South Africa), HW Snyman South Building 5-19, Prinshof Campus, ), Durban, South Africa
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14
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Wedderburn CJ, Weldon E, Bertran-Cobo C, Rehman AM, Stein DJ, Gibb DM, Yeung S, Prendergast AJ, Donald KA. Early neurodevelopment of HIV-exposed uninfected children in the era of antiretroviral therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2022; 6:393-408. [PMID: 35483380 PMCID: PMC9090907 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(22)00071-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are 15·4 million children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected worldwide. Early child development crucially influences later academic and socioeconomic factors. However, the neurodevelopmental outcomes of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children in the era of maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) remain unclear. We aimed to examine the effects of in-utero exposure to HIV and ART on child neurodevelopment. METHODS For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Africa-Wide Information, PsycInfo, and Global Health databases from inception to May 27, 2020, for studies from the past two decades reporting neurodevelopment of HEU children aged 0-5 years compared with HIV-unexposed (HU) children (aim 1), and effects of different maternal ART regimens on neurodevelopment of HEU children (aim 2). We did narrative syntheses for both aims, and a random-effects meta-analysis of high-quality studies comparing HEU children and HU children, to obtain weighted pooled estimates of effect sizes. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018075910. FINDINGS We screened 35 527 records and included 45 articles from 31 studies. Overall, 12 (57%) of 21 studies comparing HEU children and HU children found worse neurodevelopment in HEU children in at least one domain. Study design and methodological quality were variable, with heterogeneity across populations. Meta-analysis included eight high-quality studies comparing 1856 HEU children with 3067 HU children at ages 12-24 months; among HEU children with available data, 1709 (99%) of 1732 were exposed to ART. HEU children had poorer expressive language (effect size -0·17 [95% CI -0·27 to -0·07], p=0·0013) and gross motor function (-0·13 [-0·20 to -0·07], p<0·0001) than HU children, but similar cognitive development (-0·06 [-0·19 to 0·06], p=0·34), receptive language development (-0·10 [-0·23 to 0·03], p=0·14), and fine motor skills (-0·05 [-0·15 to 0·06], p=0·36). Results suggested little or no evidence of an effect of specific maternal ART regimens on neurodevelopment; study heterogeneity prevented meta-analysis. INTERPRETATION HEU children are at risk of subtle impairments in expressive language and gross motor development by age 2 years. We found no consistent effect of maternal ART regimens analysed, although evidence was scarce. We highlight the need for large high-quality longitudinal studies to assess the neurodevelopmental trajectories of HEU children and to investigate underlying mechanisms to inform intervention strategies. FUNDING Wellcome Trust and Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Wedderburn
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Ella Weldon
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Cesc Bertran-Cobo
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrea M Rehman
- MRC International Statistics & Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Dan J Stein
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Diana M Gibb
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK; Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kirsten A Donald
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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15
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Shuffrey LC, Firestein MR, Kyle MH, Fields A, Alcántara C, Amso D, Austin J, Bain JM, Barbosa J, Bence M, Bianco C, Fernández CR, Goldman S, Gyamfi-Bannerman C, Hott V, Hu Y, Hussain M, Factor-Litvak P, Lucchini M, Mandel A, Marsh R, McBrian D, Mourad M, Muhle R, Noble KG, Penn AA, Rodriguez C, Sania A, Silver WG, O’Reilly KC, Stockwell M, Tottenham N, Welch MG, Zork N, Fifer WP, Monk C, Dumitriu D. Association of Birth During the COVID-19 Pandemic With Neurodevelopmental Status at 6 Months in Infants With and Without In Utero Exposure to Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Infection. JAMA Pediatr 2022; 176:e215563. [PMID: 34982107 PMCID: PMC8728661 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.5563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Associations between in utero exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and neurodevelopment are speculated, but currently unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the associations between maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, being born during the COVID-19 pandemic regardless of maternal SARS-CoV-2 status, and neurodevelopment at age 6 months. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A cohort of infants exposed to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and unexposed controls was enrolled in the COVID-19 Mother Baby Outcomes Initiative at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City. All women who delivered at Columbia University Irving Medical Center with a SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy were approached. Women with unexposed infants were approached based on similar gestational age at birth, date of birth, sex, and mode of delivery. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire, 3rd Edition (ASQ-3) at age 6 months. A historical cohort of infants born before the pandemic who had completed the 6-month ASQ-3 were included in secondary analyses. EXPOSURES Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Outcomes were scores on the 5 ASQ-3 subdomains, with the hypothesis that maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy would be associated with decrements in social and motor development at age 6 months. RESULTS Of 1706 women approached, 596 enrolled; 385 women were invited to a 6-month assessment, of whom 272 (70.6%) completed the ASQ-3. Data were available for 255 infants enrolled in the COVID-19 Mother Baby Outcomes Initiative (114 in utero exposed, 141 unexposed to SARS-CoV-2; median maternal age at delivery, 32.0 [IQR, 19.0-45.0] years). Data were also available from a historical cohort of 62 infants born before the pandemic. In utero exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not associated with significant differences on any ASQ-3 subdomain, regardless of infection timing or severity. However, compared with the historical cohort, infants born during the pandemic had significantly lower scores on gross motor (mean difference, -5.63; 95% CI, -8.75 to -2.51; F1,267 = 12.63; P<.005), fine motor (mean difference, -6.61; 95% CI, -10.00 to -3.21; F1,267 = 14.71; P < .005), and personal-social (mean difference, -3.71; 95% CI, -6.61 to -0.82; F1,267 = 6.37; P<.05) subdomains in fully adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, birth during the pandemic, but not in utero exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, was associated with differences in neurodevelopment at age 6 months. These early findings support the need for long-term monitoring of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C. Shuffrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Morgan R. Firestein
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Margaret H. Kyle
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Andrea Fields
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Dima Amso
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Judy Austin
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jennifer M. Bain
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jennifer Barbosa
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Mary Bence
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Catherine Bianco
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Cristina R. Fernández
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Sylvie Goldman
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Violet Hott
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Yunzhe Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Maha Hussain
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Maristella Lucchini
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Arthur Mandel
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Rachel Marsh
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Danielle McBrian
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Mirella Mourad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center New York, New York
| | - Rebecca Muhle
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Kimberly G. Noble
- Department of Neuroscience and Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Anna A. Penn
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Ayesha Sania
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Wendy G. Silver
- Department of Neurology, Division of Child Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Kally C. O’Reilly
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York,New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Melissa Stockwell
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Nim Tottenham
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Martha G. Welch
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York,Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Noelia Zork
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center New York, New York
| | - William P. Fifer
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York,Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Catherine Monk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center New York, New York
| | - Dani Dumitriu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York,Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
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16
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Glenn Fowler M, Boivin MJ, Familiar I, Nyangoma B. Central Nervous System and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of HIV+ and HIV exposed children: A Mini Review of Recent Findings and Lessons Learned from the Field. Neurosci Lett 2022; 775:136501. [PMID: 35122932 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Glenn Fowler
- Dept of Pathology, Johns Hopkins U. School of Medicine Baltimore MD, USA; Dept of PsychiatryMichigan State U. East Lansing, MI, USA; Makerere U. Johns Hopkins U. Research Collaboration, USA; Kampala Uganda
| | - Michael J Boivin
- Dept of Pathology, Johns Hopkins U. School of Medicine Baltimore MD, USA; Dept of PsychiatryMichigan State U. East Lansing, MI, USA; Makerere U. Johns Hopkins U. Research Collaboration, USA; Kampala Uganda
| | - Itziar Familiar
- Dept of Pathology, Johns Hopkins U. School of Medicine Baltimore MD, USA; Dept of PsychiatryMichigan State U. East Lansing, MI, USA; Makerere U. Johns Hopkins U. Research Collaboration, USA; Kampala Uganda
| | - Betty Nyangoma
- Dept of Pathology, Johns Hopkins U. School of Medicine Baltimore MD, USA; Dept of PsychiatryMichigan State U. East Lansing, MI, USA; Makerere U. Johns Hopkins U. Research Collaboration, USA; Kampala Uganda
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17
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Wedderburn CJ, Groenewold NA, Roos A, Yeung S, Fouche JP, Rehman AM, Gibb DM, Narr KL, Zar HJ, Stein DJ, Donald KA. Early structural brain development in infants exposed to HIV and antiretroviral therapy in utero in a South African birth cohort. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25863. [PMID: 35041774 PMCID: PMC8765561 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is a growing population of children who are HIV‐exposed and uninfected (HEU) with the successful expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) use in pregnancy. Children who are HEU are at risk of delayed neurodevelopment; however, there is limited research on early brain growth and maturation. We aimed to investigate the effects of in utero exposure to HIV/ART on brain structure of infants who are HEU compared to HIV‐unexposed (HU). Methods Magnetic resonance imaging using a T2‐weighted sequence was undertaken in a subgroup of infants aged 2–6 weeks enrolled in the Drakenstein Child Health Study birth cohort, South Africa, between 2012 and 2015. Mother–child pairs received antenatal and postnatal HIV testing and ART per local guidelines. We compared subcortical and total grey matter volumes between HEU and HU groups using multivariable linear regression adjusting for infant age, sex, intracranial volume and socio‐economic variables. We further assessed associations between brain volumes with maternal CD4 cell count and ART exposure. Results One hundred forty‐six infants (40 HEU; 106 HU) with high‐resolution images were included in this analysis (mean age 3 weeks; 50.7% male). All infants who were HEU were exposed to ART (88% maternal triple ART). Infants who were HEU had smaller caudate volumes bilaterally (5.4% reduction, p < 0.05) compared to HU infants. There were no group differences in other subcortical volumes (all p > 0.2). Total grey matter volume was also reduced in infants who were HEU (2.1% reduction, p < 0.05). Exploratory analyses showed that low maternal CD4 cell count (<350 cells/mm3) was associated with decreased infant grey matter volumes. There was no relationship between timing of ART exposure and grey matter volumes. Conclusions Lower caudate and total grey matter volumes were found in infants who were HEU compared to HU in the first weeks of life, and maternal immunosuppression was associated with reduced volumes. These findings suggest that antenatal HIV exposure may impact early structural brain development and improved antenatal HIV management may have the potential to optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes of children who are HEU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Wedderburn
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nynke A Groenewold
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Annerine Roos
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jean-Paul Fouche
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrea M Rehman
- MRC International Statistics & Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Diana M Gibb
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Katherine L Narr
- Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,SA MRC Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,SA MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kirsten A Donald
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,The Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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18
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Toledo G, Côté HCF, Adler C, Thorne C, Goetghebuer T. Neurological development of children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:1161-1170. [PMID: 33987826 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Widespread use of antiretroviral drugs for pregnant/breastfeeding females with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has led to declining vertical transmission. Despite being HIV-uninfected, the increasing number of children who are HIV-exposed and uninfected (CHEU) often present with developmental alterations. We review seminal and recent evidence on the neurological development of CHEU and associations with early life HIV/antiretroviral exposure. Our conceptual model highlights the numerous exposures and universal risk factors for CHEU developmental disorders. Early studies suggest a significant association between HIV exposure and neurological abnormalities, varying according to the burden of HIV-specific exposures and other risk factors. More recent observations from the modern era are inconsistent, although some studies suggest specific antiretrovirals may adversely affect neurological development of CHEU. As the CHEU population continues to grow, alongside simultaneous increases in types and combinations of antiretrovirals used in pregnancy, long-term monitoring of CHEU is necessary for understanding the effects of HIV/antiretroviral exposure on CHEU developmental outcomes. What this paper adds Evidence on the neurological development of children who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed and uninfected (CHEU) is synthesized. Comparisons are made to children who are HIV-unexposed, across treatment eras and settings, and by antiretroviral drug regimens and drug classes. CHEU exposures are complex and include HIV-specific and universal risk factors which may affect development during the early years of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Toledo
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hélène C F Côté
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Adler
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claire Thorne
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tessa Goetghebuer
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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19
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Cerveny L, Murthi P, Staud F. HIV in pregnancy: Mother-to-child transmission, pharmacotherapy, and toxicity. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166206. [PMID: 34197912 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 1.3 million pregnant women were living with HIV in 2018. HIV infection is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and all HIV-positive pregnant women, regardless of their clinical stage, should receive a combination of antiretroviral drugs to suppress maternal viral load and prevent vertical fetal infection. Although antiretroviral treatment in pregnant women has undoubtedly minimized mother-to-child transmission of HIV, several uncertainties remain. For example, while pregnancy is accompanied by changes in pharmacokinetic parameters, relevant data from clinical studies are lacking. Similarly, long-term adverse effects of exposure to antiretrovirals on fetuses have not been studied in detail. Here, we review current knowledge on HIV effects on the placenta and developing fetus, recommended antiretroviral regimens, and pharmacokinetic considerations with particular focus on placental transport. We also discuss recent advances in antiretroviral research and potential effects of antiretroviral treatment on placental/fetal development and programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Cerveny
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, and Department of Pharmacology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Hudson Institute of Medical Research, The Ritchie Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frantisek Staud
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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20
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Ezeamama AE, Zalwango SK, Sikorskii A, Tuke R, Musoke PM, Giordani B, Boivin MJ. In utero and peripartum antiretroviral exposure as predictor of cognition in 6- to 10-year-old HIV-exposed Ugandan children - a prospective cohort study. HIV Med 2021; 22:592-604. [PMID: 33860626 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify association between in utero/peripartum antiretroviral (IPA) exposure and cognition, i.e. executive function (EF) and socioemotional adjustment (SEA), in school-aged Ugandan children who were perinatally HIV-infected (CPHIV, n = 100) and children who were HIV-exposed but uninfected (CHEU, n = 101). METHODS Children were enrolled at age 6-10 years and followed for 12 months from March 2017 to December 2018. Caregiver-reported child EF and SEA competencies were assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline, 6 and 12 months. IPA type - combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), intrapartum single-dose nevirapine ± zidovudine (sdNVP ± ZDV), nevirapine + zidovudine + lamivudine (sdNVP + ZDV + 3TC) - or no IPA (reference) was verified via medical records. IPA-related standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in cognitive competencies were estimated from regression models with adjustment for caregiver sociodemographic and contextual factors. Models were fitted separately for CPHIV and CHEU. RESULTS Among CPHIV children, cART (SMD = -0.82, 95% CI: -1.37 to -0.28) and sdNVP ± ZDV (SMD = -0.41, 95% CI: -0.81 to -0.00) vs. no IPA predicted lower executive dysfunction over 12 months. Intrapartum sdNVP + ZDV + 3TC vs. no IPA predicted executive dysfunction (SMD = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.30-1.31), SEA problems (SMD = 0.63-0.76, 95% CI: 0.00-1.24) and lower adaptive skills (SMD = -0.36, 95% CI: -0.75-0.02) over 12 months among CHEU. Further adjustment for contextual factors attenuated associations, although most remained of moderate clinical importance (|SMD| > 0.33). CONCLUSIONS Among CPHIV children, cART and sdNVP ± ZDV IPA exposure predicted, on average, lower executive dysfunction 6-10 years later. However, peripartum sdNVP + ZDV + 3TC predicted executive and SEA dysfunction among CHEU 6-10 years later. These data underscore the need for more research into long-term effects of in utero ART to inform development of appropriate interventions so as to mitigate cognitive sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Ezeamama
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - S K Zalwango
- Directorate of Public Health and Environment, Kampala Capital City Authority, Kampala, Uganda
| | - A Sikorskii
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - R Tuke
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - P M Musoke
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - B Giordani
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - M J Boivin
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology & Ophthamology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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21
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Association of maternal and infant inflammation with neurodevelopment in HIV-exposed uninfected children in a South African birth cohort. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 91:65-73. [PMID: 32860940 PMCID: PMC7772888 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children may have altered immune regulation and poorer neurodevelopment outcomes compared to their HIV-unexposed (HU) counterparts. However, studies investigating the association of maternal and infant inflammation with neurodevelopment in HEU children are limited and longitudinal data are lacking. This study investigated serum inflammatory markers in women living with HIV vs. HIV-uninfected women during pregnancy and in their children, as well as associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years of age in an African birth cohort study. A sub-group of mother-child dyads from the Drakenstein Child Health Study had serum inflammatory markers measured at ≈26 week's gestation (n = 77 HIV-infected mothers; n = 190 HIV-uninfected mothers), at 6-10 weeks (n = 63 HEU infants and n = 159 HU infants) and at 24-28 months (n = 77 HEU children and n = 190 HU children). Serum inflammatory markers [granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)] were analyzed with a multiplex bead array and ELISA assays. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition, was used to assess neurodevelopment at 24-28 months. After correcting for multiple comparisons, HIV infection during pregnancy was associated with lower serum levels of inflammatory markers in mothers at 26 weeks gestation (GM-CSF and MMP-9, p < 0.05) and HEU children at 6-10 weeks (IFN-γ and IL-1β, p < 0.01), and at 24-28 months (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-4, p < 0.05) compared to HIV-uninfected mothers and HU children. In HEU infants at 6-10 weeks, inflammatory markers (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and NGAL, all p < 0.05) were associated with poorer motor function at two years of age. This is the first study to evaluate the associations of follow-up immune markers in HEU children with neurodevelopment. These findings suggest that maternal HIV infection is associated with immune dysregulation in mothers and their children through two years of age. An altered immune system in HEU infants is associated with poorer follow-up motor neurodevelopment. These data highlight the important role of the immune system in early neurodevelopment and provide a foundation for future research.
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22
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Gilmore JC, Serghides L, Bendayan R. Differential effects of antiretroviral drug toxicity in male versus female children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected. AIDS 2021; 35:1-14. [PMID: 33048885 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
: In recent years, widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy has been increasingly effective in reducing risk of vertical transmission of HIV, with over 80% of pregnant women living with HIV now accessing ART, and a 41% reduction in new infections in children between 2010 and 2018. Despite these strides, the developmental toxicity of widely administered antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) remains poorly described and existing literature often fails to account for fetal and infant sex as a variable. Recent reports have identified associations between in-utero exposure to commonly used antiretroviral regimens and alteration in neurodevelopment, growth, and metabolism amongst children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected, with findings of sex differences in the prevalence and severity of ARV toxicity. These differences are potentially explained by variable exposure to ARV drugs in utero or exacerbation of existing sex-linked risk factors. Fetal ARV exposure is mediated by placental and fetal drug transporters and metabolic enzymes, which may contribute to the manifestation of sex differences. Existing evidence of sex differences in ARV toxicity in fetal development is concerning, and demands further research to guide optimal treatment options for maternal health and prevention of vertical HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lena Serghides
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network (UHN)
- Department of Immunology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Reina Bendayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto
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23
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Kapito-Tembo AP, Bauleni A, Wesevich A, Ongubo D, Hosseinipour MC, Dube Q, Mwale P, Corbett A, Mwapasa V, Phiri S. Growth and Neurodevelopment Outcomes in HIV-, Tenofovir-, and Efavirenz-Exposed Breastfed Infants in the PMTCT Option B+ Program in Malawi. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 86:81-90. [PMID: 33027153 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant and breastfeeding women in Option B+ in Malawi received antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) containing efavirenz (EFV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). However, effects on growth, renal, bone metabolism, and neurodevelopment of long-term exposure to low doses of these drugs through breast milk in HIV-exposed infants are unclear. METHODS Prospective cohorts of TDF-and-EFV-exposed and TDF-and-EFV-unexposed breastfed infants of HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected mothers in Option B+ were recruited in 2:1 ratio, respectively, followed from birth to 18 months. Infants with low birth weight, premature birth, and congenital abnormalities were excluded. Anthropometrics were assessed at birth, 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Neurodevelopment assessments used the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III from 6 weeks. Creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and phosphorus were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS Of 260 HIV-and-ARV-exposed and 125 HIV-and-ARV-unexposed infants enrolled at birth, 87% and 57%, 78% and 59%, 77% and 54%, 73% and 51%, and 65% and 43% completed 6-weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months visits, respectively. There were no significant differences in the mean Z-scores for length-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-length, mid-upper arm circumference-for-age, and head circumference-for-age between groups except at 6-weeks for length-for-age. No bone fractures occurred. Neurodevelopment outcomes were similar between groups. Of creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, and serum phosphate measurements, 1.7%, 2.6%, and 3.3% reached any toxicity levels grades 1-4, respectively, with no differences between groups. CONCLUSION Long-term exposure to EFV and TDF through breastfeeding in infants of HIV-infected mothers does not seem to result in significant growth, neurodevelopment, renal, or bone adverse outcomes. Data support safety of breastfeeding through 18 months within the Option B+ program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atupele P Kapito-Tembo
- MAC Communicable Diseases Action Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, Malawi
| | - Andy Bauleni
- MAC Communicable Diseases Action Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Queen Dube
- Ministry of Health Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Patrick Mwale
- MAC Communicable Diseases Action Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Amanda Corbett
- UNC Eshleman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, Malawi
| | - Sam Phiri
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Lighthouse Trust, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi ; and
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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24
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Madlala HP, Myer L, Malaba TR, Newell ML. Neurodevelopment of HIV-exposed uninfected children in Cape Town, South Africa. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242244. [PMID: 33206724 PMCID: PMC7673492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence shows that antiretroviral (ART) exposure is associated with neurodevelopmental delays in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed uninfected (HEU) children. However, there are few insights into modifiable maternal and child factors that may play a role in improving neurodevelopment in HEU children. We used a parent-centric neurodevelopment tool, Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to examined neurodevelopment in HEU children at 12-24 months of age, and associations with maternal and child factors. METHODS 505 HIV-infected women (initiated ART pre- or during pregnancy) with live singleton births attending primary health care were enrolled; 355 of their HEU children were assessed for neurodevelopment (gross motor, fine motor, communication, problem solving and personal-social domains) at 12-24 months using age-specific ASQ administered by a trained fieldworker. Associations with maternal and child factors were examined using logistic regression models. RESULTS Among mothers (median age 30 years, IQR, 26-34), 52% initiated ART during pregnancy; the median CD4 count was 436 cells/μl (IQR, 305-604). Most delayed neurodevelopment in HEU children was in gross (9%) and fine motor (5%) functions. In adjusted models, maternal socio-economic status (aOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.24-0.76) was associated with reduced odds of delayed gross-fine motor neurodevelopment. Maternal age ≥35 years (aOR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05-0.89) and maternal body mass index (BMI) <18.5 (aOR 6.76, 95% CI 1.06-43.13) were associated with delayed communication-problem-solving-personal-social neurodevelopment. There were no differences in odds for either domain by maternal ART initiation timing. CONCLUSIONS Delayed neurodevelopment was detected in both gross and fine motor functions in this cohort of HEU children, with strong maternal predictors that may be explored as potentially modifiable factors associated with neurodevelopment at one to two years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hlengiwe P. Madlala
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Thokozile R. Malaba
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Marie-Louise Newell
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Menon S, Benova L, Mabeya H. Epilepsy management in pregnant HIV+ women in sub-Saharan Africa, clinical aspects to consider: a scoping review. BMC Med 2020; 18:341. [PMID: 33198766 PMCID: PMC7670685 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01799-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) related mortality has markedly declined. As HAART is becoming increasingly available, the infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV+) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is becoming a chronic condition. While pregnancy in HIV+ women in SSA has always been considered a challenging event for the mother and the fetus, for pregnant HIV+ women also diagnosed with epilepsy (WWE), there are additional risks as HIV increases the odds of developing seizures due to the vulnerability of the central nervous system to other infections, immune dysfunction, and overall metabolic disturbances. In light of a growing proportion of HIV+ WWE on HAART and an increasing number of pregnant women accessing mother-to-child transmission of HIV programs through provision of HAART in SSA, there is a need to develop contextualized and evidenced-based clinical strategies for the management of epilepsy in this population. In this study, we conduct a literature scoping review to identify issues that warrant consideration for clinical management. RESULT Twenty-three articles were retained after screening, which covered six overarching clinical aspects: status epilepticus (SE), Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), dyslipidemia, congenital malformation (CM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and neurological development. No studies for our population of interest were identified, highlighting the need for a cautionary approach to be employed when extrapolating findings. CONCLUSION High risks of CM and drug interactions with first-line antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) warrant measures to increase the accessibility and choices of safer second-line AEDs. To ensure evidence-based management of epilepsy within this population, the potential high prevalence of SE, CKD, dyslipidemia, and SJS/TEN and the cumulative effect of drug-drug interactions should be considered. Further understanding of the intersections between pregnancy and drug-drug interactions in SSA is needed to ensure evidenced-based management of epilepsy in pregnant HIV+ WWE. To prevent SE, the barriers for AED treatment adherence in pregnant HIV+ women should be explored. Our review underscores the need to conduct cohort studies of HIV+ WWE in reproductive age over time and across pregnancies to capture the cumulative effect of HAART and AED to inform clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Menon
- Instiute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Lenka Benova
- Instiute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Duri K, Gumbo FZ, Munjoma PT, Chandiwana P, Mhandire K, Ziruma A, Macpherson A, Rusakaniko S, Gomo E, Misselwitz B, Mazengera LR. The University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences (UZ-CHS) BIRTH COHORT study: rationale, design and methods. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:725. [PMID: 33008316 PMCID: PMC7532096 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05432-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commencing lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately following HIV diagnosis (Option B+), has greatly improved maternal-infant health. Thus, large and increasing numbers of HIV-infected women are on ART during pregnancy, a situation concurrently increasing numbers of HIV-exposed-uninfected (HEU) infants. Compared to their HIV-unexposed-uninfected (HUU) counterparts, HEU infants show higher rates of adverse birth outcomes, mortality, infectious/non-communicable diseases including impaired growth and neurocognitive development. There is an urgent need to understand the impact of HIV and early life ART exposures, immune-metabolic dysregulation, comorbidities and environmental confounders on adverse paediatric outcomes. METHODS Six hundred (600) HIV-infected and 600 HIV-uninfected pregnant women ≥20 weeks of gestation will be enrolled from four primary health centres in high density residential areas of Harare. Participants will be followed up as mother-infant-pairs at delivery, week(s) 1, 6, 10, 14, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 after birth. Clinical, socio-economic, nutritional and environmental data will be assessed for adverse birth outcomes, impaired growth, immune/neurodevelopment, vertical transmission of HIV, hepatitis-B/C viruses, cytomegalovirus and syphilis. Maternal urine, stool, plasma, cord blood, amniotic fluid, placenta and milk including infant plasma, dried blood spot and stool will be collected at enrolment and follow-up visits. The composite primary endpoint is stillbirth and infant mortality within the first two years of life in HEU versus HUU infants. Maternal mortality in HIV-infected versus -uninfected women is another primary outcome. Secondary endpoints include a range of maternal and infant outcomes. Sub-studies will address maternal stress and malnutrition, maternal-infant latent tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori infections, immune-metabolomic dysregulation including gut, breast milk and amniotic fluid dysbiosis. DISCUSSION The University of Zimbabwe-College of Health-Sciences-Birth-Cohort study will provide a comprehensive assessment of risk factors and biomarkers for HEU infants' adverse outcomes. This will ultimately help developing strategies to mitigate effects of maternal HIV, early-life ART exposures and comorbidities on infants' mortality and morbidity. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT04087239 . Registered 12 September 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerina Duri
- Department of Immunology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences (UZ-CHS), P.O. Box A178 Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - Felicity Z Gumbo
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, UZ-CHS, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Privilege T Munjoma
- Department of Immunology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences (UZ-CHS), P.O. Box A178 Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - Asaph Ziruma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ-CHS, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Andrew Macpherson
- Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital Bern and Bern University, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Exnevia Gomo
- UZ-CHS Research Support Centre, UZ-CHS, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, UZ-CHS, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Benjamin Misselwitz
- Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital Bern and Bern University, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lovemore Ronald Mazengera
- Department of Immunology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences (UZ-CHS), P.O. Box A178 Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Perinatal exposure of rats to the HIV drug efavirenz affects medial prefrontal cortex cytoarchitecture. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 178:114050. [PMID: 32446887 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Efavirenz (EFV) is used for antiretroviral treatment of HIV infection, and successfully inhibits viral replication and mother-to-child transmission of HIV during pregnancy and childbirth. Unfortunately, the drug induces neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depressed mood and potentially affects cognitive performance. EFV acts on, among others, the serotonin transporter and serotonin receptors that are expressed in the developing brain. Yet, how perinatal EFV exposure affects brain cytoarchitecture remains unclear. Here, we exposed pregnant and lactating rats to EFV, and examined in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of their adult offspring the effects of the maternal EFV exposure on cortical architecture. We observed a significant decrease in the number of cells, mainly mature neurons, in the infra/prelimbic and cingulate cortices of adult offspring. Next, we found an altered cortical cytoarchitecture characterized by a significant reduction in deep- and superficial-layer cells. This was accompanied by a sharp increase in programmed cell death, as we identified a significantly higher number of cleaved Caspase-3-positive cells. Finally, the serotonergic and dopaminergic innervation of the mPFC subdomains was increased. Thus, the perinatal exposure to EFV provoked in the mPFC of adult offspring cell death, significant changes in cytoarchitecture, and disturbances in serotonergic and dopaminergic innervation. Our results are important in the light of EFV treatment of HIV-positive pregnant women, and its effect on brain development and cognitive behavior.
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Eckard AR, Kirk SE, Hagood NL. Contemporary Issues in Pregnancy (and Offspring) in the Current HIV Era. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 16:492-500. [PMID: 31630334 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-019-00465-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically reduced mother to child transmission of HIV, data continue to mount that infants exposed to HIV in utero but are not infected (HEU) have serious negative health consequences compared to unexposed infants. This review evaluates recent literature on contemporary issues related to complications seen in pregnant women with HIV and their offspring. RECENT FINDINGS Current studies show that HEU infants are at a high risk of adverse outcomes, including premature birth, poor growth, neurodevelopmental impairment, immune dysfunction, infectious morbidity, and death. Etiologies for the observed clinical events and subclinical alterations are complex and multifactorial, and the long-term consequences of many findings are yet unknown. HEU infants have an unacceptable rate of morbidity and mortality from perinatal HIV and ART exposure, even in the modern ART era. Continual monitoring and reporting is imperative to protect this vulnerable population in our everchanging landscape of HIV treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Ross Eckard
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Divisions of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Ave., MSC 752, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Stephanie E Kirk
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Divisions of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Ave., MSC 752, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Nancy L Hagood
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Divisions of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Ave., MSC 752, Charleston, SC, USA
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le Roux SM, Abrams EJ. Efavirenz in pregnancy. Lancet HIV 2019; 7:e6-e8. [PMID: 31740349 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(19)30330-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stanzi Maria le Roux
- School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- Mailman School of Public Health and Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Wedderburn CJ, Yeung S, Rehman AM, Stadler JAM, Nhapi RT, Barnett W, Myer L, Gibb DM, Zar HJ, Stein DJ, Donald KA. Neurodevelopment of HIV-exposed uninfected children in South Africa: outcomes from an observational birth cohort study. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2019; 3:803-813. [PMID: 31515160 PMCID: PMC6876655 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(19)30250-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV infection is known to cause developmental delay, but the effects of HIV exposure without infection during pregnancy on child development are unclear. We compared the neurodevelopmental outcomes of HIV-exposed uninfected and HIV-unexposed children during their first 2 years of life. METHODS Pregnant women (>18 years of age) at 20-28 weeks' gestation were enrolled into the Drakenstein Child Health cohort study while attending routine antenatal appointments at one of two peri-urban community-based clinics in Paarl, South Africa. Livebirths born to enrolled women during follow-up were included in the birth cohort. Mothers and infants received antenatal and postnatal HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy per local guidelines. Developmental assessments on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (BSID-III), were done in a subgroup of infants at 6 months of age, and in the full cohort at 24 months of age, with assessors masked to HIV exposure status. Mean raw scores and the proportions of children categorised as having a delay (scores <-2 SDs from the reference mean) on BSID-III were compared between HIV-exposed uninfected and HIV-unexposed children. FINDINGS 1225 women were enrolled between March 5, 2012, and March 31, 2015. Of 1143 livebirths, 1065 (93%) children were in follow-up at 6 months and 1000 (87%) at 24 months. Two children were diagnosed with HIV infection between birth and 24-month follow-up and were excluded from the analysis. BSID-III assessments were done in 260 (24%) randomly selected children (61 HIV-exposed uninfected, 199 HIV-unexposed) at 6 months and in 732 (73%) children (168 HIV-exposed uninfected, 564 HIV-unexposed) at 24 months. All HIV-exposed uninfected children were exposed to antiretrovirals (88% to maternal triple antiretroviral therapy). BSID-III outcomes did not significantly differ between HIV-exposed uninfected and HIV-unexposed children at 6 months. At 24 months, HIV-exposed uninfected children scored lower than HIV-unexposed for receptive language (adjusted mean difference -1·03 [95% CI -1·69 to -0·37]) and expressive language (-1·17 [-2·09 to -0·24]), whereas adjusted differences in cognitive (-0·45 [-1·32 to 0·43]), fine motor (0·09 [-0·49 to 0·66]), and gross motor (-0·41 [-1·09 to 0·27]) domain scores between groups were not significant. Correspondingly, the proportions of HIV-exposed uninfected children with developmental delay were higher than those of HIV-unexposed children for receptive language (adjusted odds ratio 1·96 [95% CI 1·09 to 3·52]) and expressive language (2·14 [1·11 to 4·15]). INTERPRETATION Uninfected children exposed to maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy have increased odds of receptive and expressive language delays at 2 years of age. Further long-term work is needed to understand developmental outcomes of HIV-exposed uninfected children, especially in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa that have a high prevalence of HIV exposure among children. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, SA Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Wedderburn
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrea M Rehman
- Medical Research Council Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jacob A M Stadler
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Raymond T Nhapi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Whitney Barnett
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Diana M Gibb
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kirsten A Donald
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Language delays in children with prenatal exposure to HIV and antiretroviral therapy. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2019; 3:754-755. [PMID: 31515161 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(19)30291-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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