Valproic acid is associated with cognitive decline in HIV-infected individuals: A clinical observational study

Abstract

Background: Valproic acid (VPA) is often used to control pain in HIV-related neuropathy. However, the effect of VPA on cognitive functions in advanced HIV-infected individuals is largely unknown. A recent study would suggest that it may have a neuroprotective effect, the doses used were low and the observation period short. Methods: We used a well studied HIV-infected cohort assessed for a median of 15 (range 6-27 months) to determine whether individuals who were receiving VPA showed any cognitive benefits. Multiple regression procedures allowed us to control for the effects of HAART and HIV disease status as well as numbers of visits and variation in VPA intake over-time. Results: We found ..