The relationship between frailty and the development and progression of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND)

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between frailty and the development and progression of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND).

Methods: This study used data from the Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) Cohort Study.

Results: Higher FI scores were associated with increased risk of development of HAND (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.00 – 2.87, p=0.048 for FI Scores 0.10 to 0.19; HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.04 – 2.92, p=0.034 for FI Score 0.20 to 0.29; and HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.36 – 3.81, p=0.002 for FI Score 0.30+). High frailty at baseline was associated with shorter progression time to HAND. The Determinant Index mobility measure demonstrated that non-frail and high frailty participants had significantly lower mobility between HAND states than those with low and moderate frailty.

Conclusion: The frailty index was useful in predicting the development of HAND and the mobility between various HAND states.