Document 0671
 DOCN  M9460671
 TI    HIV-encephalopathy: should we await a catastrophe before screening?
 DT    9404
 AU    Patt HO; Pagano MA; Garau MA; Research Department Fernandez Hospital,
       Buenos Aires, Argentina.
 SO    Aviat Space Environ Med. 1994 Jan;65(1):70-3. Unique Identifier :
       AIDSLINE MED/94161681
 AB    Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-encephalopathy (formerly AIDS
       Dementia Complex, or ADC) is characterized by global impairment of
       intellectual and cognitive functions, personality and behavioral
       disturbances, decreased memory, inability to concentrate, and apathy.
       Its motor dysfunction is manifested by impaired speech, gait, and
       coordination, and by psychomotor retardation. Several scientific reports
       indicate that ADC may be the earliest, and, at times, the only evidence
       of human immunodeficiency virus infection, and may present a diagnostic
       challenge, particularly in the aviation context. Several aviation
       medicine specialists have pointed out the safety questions raised by
       this condition when it presents in otherwise asymptomatic individuals.
       Since October 1985, U.S. military pilots have been tested for the
       presence of HIV antibody and grounded if found positive. In May 1991,
       the Executive Council of the Aerospace Medical Association approved a
       position statement that supports testing of pilots for infection by HIV,
       and maintains that individuals confirmed to be infected should be found
       medically disqualified for flying duties. While bureaucrats delay in
       resolving HIV mandatory screening, HIV-encephalopathy may be
       precipitously brought to light, with symptoms involving ocular motor
       disorders such as dissociated nystagmus, gaze-evoked nystagmus, and
       impaired saccadic function and smooth pursuit, frequent signs of HIV
       cerebellar and pontomesencephalic dysfunction.
 DE    Aerospace Medicine  *Aviation  AIDS Dementia Complex/*DIAGNOSIS  AIDS
       Serodiagnosis  Human  *Military Personnel  Occupations  United States
       JOURNAL ARTICLE

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