Funder
University College London Hospitals (UCLH)/UCL NIHR Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre (CBRC), UCLH Charities and the Clinical Research and Development Committee (CRDC)
Status
Study complete, findings being prepared for publication
Lead applicant
Poppy applicants
Other applicants
Project award dates
Synopsis
It is known that cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is associated with circulating inflammatory mediators. Given that PLWH are known to have a higher risk of stroke that HIV-negative people, we wished to know whether there was an association between HIV and CSVD. Thus, the aim of this pilot study was to develop the MRI protocols and analysis methods to quantify small- and large-vessel disease in older PLWH and to produce preliminary estimates of cerebrovascular disease in this group. The study recruited 38 PLWH aged >50 years and 37 HIV-negative men of a similar age. No difference was found between the two groups in white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), suggesting that there was no association between HIV status and CSVD.