Detecting HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disorders in Adolescents: What Is the Best Screening Tool?

Abstract Purpose To examine the ability of the HIV-Dementia Scale (HDS) and Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) to detect encephalopathy in adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or acquired immunodeficency syndrome (AIDS). Method The study was based on chart review (N = 71) from 1999 to 2006, extracting data from psychological testing, disease classification, and demographic variables. HDS and MMSE scores were independent. Diagnosis of encephalopathy used American Academy of Neurology Criteria. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves were plotted. Results Six patients had encephalopathy. The HDS identified five of these cases (83% sensitivity, 76% specificity). The MMSE identified three cases (50% sensitivity, 92% specificity). Conclusion Based on the study results, the HDS appears to be clinically useful.