| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Abstract | | Title: HCV increases neurocognitive risk in HIV+ substance abusers. | | Authors: Grant I, Cherner M, Letendre S, Heaton K, Ellis R, Atkinson J, and the HNRC Group | | Year: 2004 | | Publication: 15th International AIDS Conference | | Volume: Issue: Pages: | | Abstract:Hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection is a common co-morbidity in HIV infected [HIV+] persons,
and substance use may be a common risk factor for both. HIV and substance use each can
produce neurocognitive impairment, and some preliminary evidence suggests HCV might also do
so. This study examined the unique and joint contributions of HCV, HIV, and methamphetamine
[METH] to neural injury.
Method:
We examined 400 persons [78% men, 65% white] whose risk factors ranged from none to various
combinations of HCV, HIV, and METH diagnoses. [Mean age = 37; mean education = 12]. No
HCV+ person had advanced liver disease based on laboratory data, and 44% of HIV+ had AIDS.
All received comprehensive neuropsychological [NP] testing.
Results:
The prevalence of NP impairment rose from 25% in those with no risk to 66% in those with all 3
risks. Multiple regression adjusting for age, education, METH dependence, and HIV diagnosis
showed that HCV status predicted cognitive impairment in several areas including learning
[P<.001], motor skills [P<.005],delayed recall [P<.04], and abstraction/executive functioning
[P<.02]. Among substance users who were HIV-, HCV+ persons had higher global cognitive
impairment [P=.05].
Conclusion:
HCV co-infection increases the likelihood of neurocognitive impairment in persons affected by
HIV and/or substance abuse. Studies on neuroAIDS and its treatment will need to consider the
added risk posed by HCV co-infection. |
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