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The Effect of Oral Candidiasis on the Speech Production, Feeding Skills, and Self-Concept of Children and Adolescents With Symptomatic HIV Infection


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Candidiasis, Oral, Eating Disorders, HIV Infections, Speech Disorders

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Trial Information

The Effect of Oral Candidiasis on the Speech Production, Feeding Skills, and Self-Concept of Children and Adolescents With Symptomatic HIV Infection


Language impairments in children with symptomatic HIV infection are associated with the
direct effects of HIV on the central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, expressive language
is more vulnerable to the effects of HIV compared to receptive language (Wolters, et al.,
1995). Several factors, however, are likely to be involved in producing the expressive
language impairments observed in the HIV-infected pediatric population. Oral candidiasis
(thrush), a fungal infection in the oral cavity that frequently appears in HIV-infected
children (Walsh, 1994), also may contribute to speech and language deficits depending on the
severity of the thrush. Feeding skills and self-concept may be negatively affected by oral
thrush as well.

The effect of oral candidiasis on the speech production, feeding skills, and self-concept of
children and adolescents with HIV infection will be examined in this pilot study. Several
disciplines (Neuropsychology, Speech, Nursing, and Infectious Disease) will be involved to
investigate the severity of oral candidiasis on various aspects of everyday behavior.

Interdisciplinary assessment of the ramifications of oral thrush on speech production and
feeding skills have not been conducted to date in children or adolescents infected with HIV.
Most studies have assessed only single dimensions or functions such as language or they
have yielded only descriptive data, for example, regarding the severity of oral thrush.
This pilot study, however, will investigate the association between oral thrush and speech
and feeding dysfunction using some newly-developed measures. The study will also examine
whether oral candidiasis may influence the self-concept of children and adolescents with HIV
infection.

Inclusion Criteria


Children and adolescents with HIV infection, ages 6 through 21 years of age, who are
treated in other protocols at the Pediatric Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
and have oral candidiasis as determined by the Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, are eligible
to participate in this study.

Children and adolescents with infections or diseases other than candidiasis affecting the
oral cavity as determined by the PNP's during the physical exam will be excluded from the
study.

Furthermore, patients who are identified by the speech pathologist to have oro-facial
structural and/or functional abnormalities that cause a significant disturbance in speech,
voice, or swallowing will be excluded.

Children will also not be able t participate in the study if they cannot understand the
measures, even if the questions are read to them, which will be determined by the
Neuropsychology staff.

Type of Study:

Observational

Study Design:

N/A

Authority:

United States: Federal Government

Study ID:

950185

NCT ID:

NCT00001448

Start Date:

August 1995

Completion Date:

June 2000

Related Keywords:

  • Candidiasis, Oral
  • Eating Disorders
  • HIV Infections
  • Speech Disorders
  • Antifungal Therapy
  • Articulation
  • Behavior
  • Expressive Language
  • Thrush
  • HIV Infections
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
  • Candidiasis
  • Candidiasis, Oral
  • Eating Disorders
  • Speech Disorders

Name

Location
National Cancer Institute (NCI) Bethesda, Maryland  20892