Effect of combination therapy with zidovudine and didanosine on neuropsychological functioning in patients with symptomatic HIV disease

Therapy-related improvements were noted particularly for patients with HIV-1-associated central nervous system compromise at entry, supporting the contention that the CNS constitutes a relatively independent compartment in terms of HIV disease and treatment.

Abstract

Therapy-related improvements were noted particularly for patients with HIV-1-associated CNS compromise. Neuropsychological functions that have been implicated in AIDS dementia--memory and attention--showed the greatest gains. In contrast to the previously described superiority of the simultaneous regimen with regard to immunologic and virologic parameters, there was no difference between the regimens with regard to CNS measures. This supports the contention that the CNS constitutes a relative independent compartment in terms of HIV disease and treatment.