Damalie Nalwanga, MBChB, MMed
Nominated From: University of Minnesota
Research Site: Uganda
Research Area: Paediatric infectious diseases
Primary Mentor: Sarah Cusick
Research Project
Neurocognitive function among HIV infected children on protease inhibitor based versus non protease inhibitor based antiretroviral therapy
With improved survival of HIV infected children on ART, it is imperative to maximize cognitive function in order to enable them become more productive and realize their full potential. Protease inhibitors (PIs) achieve low drug levels in the CSF compared to non-PIs like zidovudine. It is not clear if the difference in CNS penetration results in differences in neurocognitive function between HIV positive children on PI based compared to those on non-PI based ART.
Research Significance
ART that maximizes children’s neurodevelopment and school achievement should be established and preferentially chosen for treatment of HIV positive children globally. This will be a pilot study to establish neurocognitive outcomes of children on protease inhibitor based compared to those on non-protease inhibitor based treatment in resource limited settings. Results from this study will provide a basis for further investigation into appropriate ART regimens that maximize neurocognitive function in HIV positive children globally.
Advice for Potential Candidates
Never give up! Keep working at your dream, you lose nothing by trying.
Publications
Mentors
- Dr. Sarah Cusick, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, USA
- Dr. Victor Musiime, College of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Uganda
- Dr. Phillipa Musoke, Infectious Disease Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda
- Dr. Paul Bangirana, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Psychiatry, Makerere University, Uganda/a>
