Publication Abstract Display
Type: Published Abstract
Title: Hepatitis C infection is independently associated with neurocognitive dysfunction among individuals with HIV co-infection and/or history of methamphetamine dependence.
Authors: Cherner M, Letendre S, Taylor MJ, Heaton RK, Grant I, and the HNRC Group
Year: 2004
Publication: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society
Volume: 10 Issue: Suppl S1 Pages: 197
Abstract:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects over 170 million people world-wide. Evidence is emerging that HCV may be associated with neurocognitive dysfunction. HCV infection is frequently comorbid with HIV infection and drug dependence. We examined neuropsychological (NP) functioning in 400 study participants who were either normal controls or had HCV infection (HCV+), HIV infection (HIV+), history of methamphetamine dependence (Meth+), or combinations of these factors as risks for cognitive deficits (HCV- HIV- Meth- = 80, HCV+ HIV+ Meth+ = 35, HCV+ HIV+ Meth- = 8, HCV+ HIV- Meth+ = 32, HCV+ HIV- Meth- = 2, HCV- HIV+ Meth+ = 59, HCV- HIV+ Meth- = 101, HCV- HIV- Meth+ = 83). All had negative urine toxicology results. Proportion of global NP impairment increased the number of risk factors (0 = 25%, 1 = 41%, 2 = 56%, 3 = 66%, X2=25.3, p < .0001). Using multiple regression to account for effects of demographic variables, history of methamphetamine dependence, and HIV serostatus, we found that HCV serostatus was a significant predictor of cognitive function in the areas of Learning (p<.001), Motor Skills (p<.005), Delayed Recall (p<.04), and Abstraction (p<.02), with a trend in Speed and Information Processing (p<.06). HCV serostatus did not predict scores in Attention/Working Memory or Verbal Fluency. Results suggest that HCV may contribute to the development of neurocognitive problems above and beyond the role of HIV infection and stimulant dependence. Further studies with unconfounded HCV+ samples are needed to discern the nature of NP deficits specific to HCV.

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