Abstract
The clinical symptomatology of children with AIDS is similar to that observed in adults including fever, weight loss, diffuse lymphadenopathy and opportunistic infections. In adults, unusual neurological complications including progressive encephalopathy were recently reported. Since 1979, we have noted neurological abnormalities in 6 children with AIDS. 5 patients have not attained appropriate milestones, with severe global delay in areas of gross motor control, fine motor control, social functioning and language. Physical examination revealed spastic diplegia, hyperreflexia and positive Babinski in 4 with diminished muscular tone in 5 infants. 1 had seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid was acellular with normal protein and glucose. Skull X-rays have been negative. CT scans, with and without contrast in 4 children, displayed progressive cerebral atrophy. 1 showed intracerebral calcifications. EEG's showed diffuse slow waves with subsequent studies demonstrating further slowing of electrical activity. 4 of the 6 patients have continued neurologic deterioration with further loss of developmental milestones.
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Novick, B., Ultmann, M., Spiro, A. et al. NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS IN INFANTS WITH AIDS. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 261 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01010
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01010
