Neuron-specific enolase of liquor as an objective marker of cognitive impairments in HIV-associated encephalopathy

One of the main causes of cognitive dysfunction in a late stage of HIV infection is HIV-associated encephalopathy. The direct neurotropic impact of HIV creates the pathogenic basis for this clinical syndrome. The purpose — to evaluate the cognitive status and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in HIV-encephalopathy patients. Material and methods. 35 patients were included in the study. They were divided into two groups: 20 patients (9 females and 11 males) with cognitive dysfunction and confirmed diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and 15 patients (6 females and 9 males) were in comparison group. The cognitive status was investigated by mini-mental state examination (MMSE), international HIV-dementia scale (IHDS) and frontal assessment battery (FAB). CSF level of NSE were investigated by ELISA test. Results. Correlation between cognitive dysfunction severity and NSE level in CSF was determined in HIV-encephalopathy patients. Conclusion. NSE level changing in CSF is an objective indicator of clinical severity of HIV-encephalopathy and neurotropic impact of HIV.