Globally, an estimated 3.4 million children are living with HIV, yet little is known about the effects of HIV and antiretroviral treatment (ART) on the developing brain, and the neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes of perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV+) adolescents.We reviewed the literature on neurodevelopmental outcomes in PHIV+ children and adolescents, and summarized the current evidence on behaviour, general cognition, specific domains, hearing and language, school performance and physical disabilities due to neurological problems.Evidence suggests that PHIV+ children do not perform as well as controls on general cognitive tests, processing speed and visual–spatial tasks, and are at much higher risk for psychiatric and mental health problems. Children with AIDS-defining diagnoses are particularly at risk for poorer outcomes.A striking finding is the lack of published data specific to the adolescent age group (10–25 years), particularly from resource-constrained countries, which have the highest HIV prevalence. In addition, extreme heterogeneity in terms of timing and source of infection, and antiretroviral experience limits our ability to summarize findings of studies and generalize results to other settings.Due to the complex nature of the developing adolescent brain, environmental influences and variation in access to ART, there is an urgent need for research on the longitudinal trajectory of neurodevelopment among children and adolescents perinatally infected with HIV, especially in high burden resource-constrained settings.

Background Globally, medical cannabis legalization has increased in recent years and medical cannabis is commonly used to treat chronic pain. However, there are few randomized control trials studying medical cannabis indicating expert guidance on how to dose and administer medical cannabis safely and effectively is needed. Methods Using a multistage modified Delphi process, twenty global experts across nine countries developed consensus-based recommendations on how to dose and administer medical cannabis in patients with chronic pain. Results There was consensus that medical cannabis may be considered for patients experiencing neuropathic, inflammatory, nociplastic, and mixed pain. Three treatment protocols were developed. A routine protocol where the clinician initiates the patient on a CBD-predominant variety at a dose of 5 mg CBD twice daily and titrates the CBD-predominant dose by 10 mg every 2 to 3 days until the patient reaches their goals, or up to 40 mg/day. At a CBD-predominant dose of 40 mg/day, clinicians may consider adding THC at 2.5 mg and titrate by 2.5 mg every 2 to 7 days until a maximum daily dose of 40 mg/day of THC. A conservative protocol where the clinician initiates the patient on a CBD-predominant variety at a dose of 5 mg once daily and titrates the CBD-predominant dose by 10 mg every 2 to 3 days until the patient reaches their goals, or up to 40 mg/day. At a CBD-predominant dose of 40 mg/day, clinicians may consider adding THC at 1 mg/day and titrate by 1 mg every 7 days until a maximum daily dose of 40 mg/day of THC. A rapid protocol where the clinician initiates the patient on a balanced THC:CBD variety at 2.5–5 mg of each cannabinoid once or twice daily and titrates by 2.5–5 mg of each cannabinoid every 2 to 3 days until the patient reaches his/her goals or to a maximum THC dose of 40 mg/day. Conclusions In summary, using a modified Delphi process, expert consensus-based recommendations were developed on how to dose and administer medical cannabis for the treatment of patients with chronic pain.

This study demonstrated that fitness and body fat are independently associated with incident EHI, and the effect of both was substantially higher. Those with low fitness levels and/or obesity should be evaluated further before engaging in intense physical activity, especially in warmer months.

Background Insufficient data on neurodevelopmental benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in children. Methods Prospective study of 329 mothers and children aged 0–6 years to assess neurodevelopment. Results stratified by the maternal (M) and child (C) HIV status (MHIV−/CHIV−, MHIV+/CHIV−, and MHIV+/CHIV+). Gross Motor, Visual Reception, Fine Motor, Receptive and Expressive Language scores assessed by Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Global cognitive function was derived from an Early Learning Composite score (ELC). Standardized Weight and Height for Age z-scores were constructed and the lowest 15% cutoff defined disability. Generalized linear models were used to estimate Prevalence Rate Ratios (PRR) adjusted for the child’s age, weight and height. In HIV-positive children, generalized linear models assessed the impact of ART initiation and duration on neurodevelopment. Results Compared to MHIV−/CHIV− children, HIV+ children were more likely to have global deficits in all measures of neurodevelopment except gross motor skills, whereas in MHIV+/CHIV− children, there was impairment in receptive language (adj.PRR=2.67, CI: 1·08, 6.60) and the ELC (adj.PRR=2.94, CI: 1.11, 7.82). Of the children born to HIV positive mothers, HIV+ children did worse than - MHIV+/CHIV− only in Visual Reception skills (adj.PRR=2.86; CI: 1.23–6.65). Of the 116 HIV+ children, 44% had initiated ART. Compared to ART duration of <12 months, ART durations 24–60 months was associated with decreased impairments in Fine Motor, Receptive Language, Expressive Language and ELC scores. Conclusions Longer duration on ART is associated with reduction of some neurologic impairment and early diagnosis and treatment of HIV+ children is a priority.

Exercise training during HD significantly improves both interdialytic ABP and treatment-related BP.