Cognitive impairment and mental disorders in HIV-infected patients with early stages of syphilis

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the correlations between cognitive impairment in HIVinfected patients with early syphilis and mental disorders. 65 HIV-infected patients with early syphilis were examined by a clinical method and BNCE test. We revealed a high incidence of addictions (46.2 %). Cognitive impairment was found in 43.1 % of patients and was characterized by mild cognitive disorders. The severity of cognitive impairment was linked to hepatitis C co-infection (R = –0.38, p = 0.003), substance abuse (R = –0.39, p = 0.002) and intravenous drug use (R = –0.51, p < 0.0001). Cognitive impairment was associated with mental disorders due to brain damage (R = –0.93; p < 0.0001), dependence on stimulants (R = –0.69; p = 0.014), opiate dependence (R = –0.48; p < 0.001), and dependence on alcohol (R = –0.28; p = 0.037). Refs 15. Tables 2.