EFFECTS OF PEDIATRIC HIV-INFECTION AND PRENATAL DRUG EXPOSURE ON MENTAL AND PSYCHOMOTOR DEVELOPMENT

Examined the effects of HIV infection and prenatal drug exposure on in fant neurodevelopmental functioning. Three groups of infants were comp ared: HIV-infected infants, seroreverters, and a comparison group who were prenatally exposed to drugs, but not HIV. Two thirds of the HIV-i nfected and seroreverter infants were prenatally drug-exposed. Infants (ages 4-30 months) were administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Deve lopment. Children who were both HIV-infected and prenatally drug expos ed performed significantly lower on both the mental and psychomotor sc ales of the Bayley. Drug exposure and neurological dysfunction were as sociated with mental development, whereas neurological dysfunction, dr ug exposure, and HIV status were associated with psychomotor developme nt.