Dataset from Neurocognitive Assessment in Youth Initiating HAART

A prospective cohort study comparing neurocognitive functioning in four groups of youth, ages 18-24 years, with behaviorally acquired HIV infection: two groups with CD4+ T-cells greater than 350 cells/mm3 and HIV RNA equal to or greater than 1,000 copies/ml - one initiating early highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (Group 1), the other not initiating treatment (Group 2); and two groups with CD4+ T-cells less than 350 cells/mm3 - one initiating HAART according to then current DHHS guidelines (Group 3), the other not initiating treatment (Group 4). Groups 2 and 3 represented standard of care. The study provided preliminary data to test the hypothesis that initiating HAART earlier than DHHS guidelines suggested at that time resulted in better neurocognitive function in comparison with no treatment or treatment initiated according to DHHS recommendations.