A Study of Decreased Mental Function Associated With HIV

HIV-associated cognitive impairment generally develops during the later stages of the disease. This study proposes to non-invasively examine the pattern and extent of cerebral injury associated with HIV infection and its response to selegiline by using 1H-MRS. The following hypotheses will be tested: selegiline, a compound with antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, will reverse the metabolic abnormalities measured by 1H-MRS, and these changes will parallel the degree of improvement in cognitive and functional performance.

This is a substudy of ACTG A5090. The pattern and extent of cerebral injury associated with HIV infection and its response to selegiline are examined using a 1H-MRS. 1H-MRS evaluations are performed at screening and Week 24 (or at the time of premature discontinuation) of Step 1 of A5090. The screening MRS exams may only be performed once all A5090 screening evaluations (including the lumbar puncture) have been completed and it has been determined that the patient is eligible for A5090 study entry.

The screening MRS must be performed prior to A5090 study drug administration. The Week-24 MRS must be performed while the patient is still on blinded study drug.

Inclusion criteria

Patients may be eligible for this study if they:

• Are enrolled in ACTG protocol A5090.
• Meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria set forth for the Step 1 phase of AACTG protocol A5090.

Exclusion criteria

Patients will not be eligible for this study if they have:

• Claustrophobia (unless sedation with lorazepam or zolpidem allows for safe performance of the MRS).
• Metallic implants/medical devices (e.g., skull implants or cardiac devices).