Good neurocognitive performance measured by the international HIV dementia scale in early HIV-1 infection.

Objective: To evaluate neurocognitive performance in patients with preserved immunological status using the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and compare patients on and off highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Outpatients with more than 350 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter underwent evaluation by means of the IHDS, a cross-cultural scale designed to identify HIV-positive patients at risk for dementia.

Results: A total of 260 patients were included, 158 on HAART and viral load <1000 copies per mL and 102 treatment naïve. Mean age was 38.2 (SD 8.03) years, 86% were male. Mean score was 10.9 (SD 1.77). Only age correlated with a significantly different score; younger patients performed better. When patients on and off HAART were compared, we found no significant differences in age, sex, time from diagnosis, educational level, risk factor for HIV acquisition, and current CD4 count. CD4 nadir was lower for patients on HAART: 246.0 (200.95) vs. 492.7 (233.33), P < 0.001. There was no difference between the scores obtained by patients on and off HAART (mean 11.0, SD 2.08; mean 10.8, SD 1.17; respectively, P = 0.70). There was no difference according to efavirenz use.

Conclusions: Patients with preserved immunity performed well on IHDS. It didn't seem to be any difference between patients on and off HAART regarding neurocognitive status.