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Anti-retroviral therapy and cognitive function.

BACKGROUND
The effect of anti-retroviral medications on the cognitive functions important in flying has not been determined.


HYPOTHESIS
Anti-retroviral medications have no effect on the cognitive performance of individuals at the CDC 4C2 (symptomatic HIV disease with no illness indicative of full-blown AIDS) stage of infection.


METHODS
A two-group study using a cross-sectional design was used. The participants in each group represented a sample of convenience obtained from a larger, naturalistic study. Each group consisted of 10 HIV+ males at the CDC 4C2 stage of infection. The two groups were found to be comparable on age, education, pre-morbid intelligence, and ethnicity. All members of the anti-retroviral medication group had been receiving medications for at least 3 mo. Those in the control group (no anti-retroviral medication) had received no anti-retroviral medications for at least 6 mo. Cognitive functioning was assessed using a computerized information processing battery that included test similar to those under consideration for inclusion in military pilot selection batteries and a neuropsychological battery. As part of the larger study, the participants were carefully and repetitively screened on factors known to affect performance on neuropsychological instruments.


RESULTS
The groups showed little difference in cognitive functioning.


CONCLUSION
Although more research is needed, anti-retroviral medication does not impair, and may improve, the cognitive processes of individuals with symptomatic HIV infection who do not have AIDS.