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Liu MZ, Dai XH, Zeng MT, Chen EQ. Clinical treatment of cryptococcal meningitis: an evidence-based review on the emerging clinical data. J Neurol 2024; 271:2960-2979. [PMID: 38289535 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12193-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a fatal fungal central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by Cryptococcus infecting the meninges and/or brain parenchyma, with fever, headache, neck stiffness, and visual disturbances as the primary clinical manifestations. Immunocompromised individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or who have undergone organ transplantation, as well as immunocompetent people can both be susceptible to CM. Without treatment, patients with CM may have a mortality rate of up to 100% after hospital admission. Even after receiving therapy, CM patients may still suffer from problems such as difficulty to cure, poor prognosis, and high mortality. Therefore, timely and effective treatment is essential to improve the mortality and prognosis of CM patients. Currently, the clinical outcomes of CM are frequently unsatisfactory due to limited drug choices, severe adverse reactions, drug resistance, etc. Here, we review the research progress of CM treatment strategies and discuss the suitable options for managing CM, hoping to provide a reference for physicians to select the most appropriate treatment regimens for CM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Zhu Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guo Xue Xiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin-Hua Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ming-Tang Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - En-Qiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guo Xue Xiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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2
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Tufa TB, Orth HM, Wienemann T, Jensen BEO, Mackenzie CR, Boulware DR, Luedde T, Feldt T. Disseminated Cryptococcosis Is a Common Finding among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients with Suspected Sepsis and Is Associated with Higher Mortality Rates. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:836. [PMID: 37623607 PMCID: PMC10456031 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is the leading cause of death among people with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. The lack of optimum diagnoses and medications significantly impair the management of the disease. We investigated the burden of cryptococcosis and related mortality among people with HIV and suspected sepsis in Ethiopia. We conducted a prospective study at (1) Adama Hospital Medical College and (2) Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital from September 2019 to November 2020. We enrolled adult, HIV-infected patients presenting with suspected sepsis and assessed their 28-day survival rates. We performed blood cultures and cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) testing. In total, 82 participants were enrolled with a median age of 35 years, and 61% were female. Overall, eleven (13%) had positive CrAg tests, of which five grew Cryptococcus in blood cultures. Despite high-dose fluconazole (1200 mg/d) monotherapy being given to those with positive CrAg tests, the 28-day mortality was 64% (7/11), with mortality being significantly higher than among the CrAg-negative patients (9% (6/71); p < 0.001). Cryptococcosis was the leading cause of mortality among HIV-infected sepsis patients in this Ethiopian cohort. The CrAg screening of HIV-infected patients attending an emergency department can minimize the number of missed cryptococcosis cases irrespective of the CD4 T cell count and viral load. These findings warrant the need for a bundle approach for the diagnosis of HIV-infected persons presenting with sepsis in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafese Beyene Tufa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich, Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (H.M.O.); (B.-E.O.J.); (T.L.)
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
- College of Health Sciences, Arsi University, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
| | - Hans Martin Orth
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich, Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (H.M.O.); (B.-E.O.J.); (T.L.)
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
| | - Tobias Wienemann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.W.); (C.R.M.)
| | - Bjoern-Erik Ole Jensen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich, Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (H.M.O.); (B.-E.O.J.); (T.L.)
| | - Colin R. Mackenzie
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (T.W.); (C.R.M.)
| | - David R. Boulware
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Tom Luedde
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich, Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (H.M.O.); (B.-E.O.J.); (T.L.)
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
| | - Torsten Feldt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich, Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (H.M.O.); (B.-E.O.J.); (T.L.)
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella P.O. Box 04, Ethiopia
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3
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Jjunju S, Nuwagira E, Meya DB, Muzoora C. Persistently elevated intracranial pressure in cryptococcal meningitis- 76 therapeutic lumbar punctures. Med Mycol Case Rep 2023; 40:50-53. [PMID: 37283716 PMCID: PMC10240505 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis still remains the most common form of adult meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa, due to the burden of HIV/AIDS. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a major complication of cryptococcosis and requires aggressive management with therapeutic lumbar punctures (LPs). In this report, we describe a patient with persistently elevated ICP who underwent 76 LPs over 46 days with good outcome. While unusual, this highlights the importance of serial therapeutic LPs. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Jjunju
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Research Department, Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edwin Nuwagira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Research Department, Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David B. Meya
- Research Department, Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Conrad Muzoora
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Kagimu E, Engen N, Ssebambulidde K, Kasibante J, Kiiza TK, Mpoza E, Tugume L, Nuwagira E, Nsangi L, Williams DA, Hullsiek KH, Boulware DR, Meya DB, Rhein J, Abassi M, Musubire AK. Therapeutic Lumbar Punctures in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: Should Opening Pressure Direct Management? Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac416. [PMID: 36092828 PMCID: PMC9454029 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) frequently complicates cryptococcal meningitis. Therapeutic lumbar punctures (LPs) have acute survival benefits in the first week, and we sought to understand the longer-term survival impact of therapeutic LPs. Methods We prospectively enrolled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive adults with cryptococcal meningitis from 2013 to 2017 in Uganda. We assessed the association between clinical characteristics, CSF parameters, and 14- and 30-day mortality by baseline ICP. We also assessed 30-day mortality by number of follow-up therapeutic LPs performed within 7 days. Results Our analysis included 533 participants. Participants with baseline ICP >350 mm H2O were more likely to have Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score <15 (P < .001), seizures (P < .01), and higher quantitative cryptococcal cultures (P < .001), whereas participants with ICP <200 mm H2O were more likely to have baseline sterile CSF cultures (P < .001) and CSF white blood cell count ≥5 cells/µL (P = .02). Thirty-day mortality was higher in participants with baseline ICP >350 mm H2O and ICP <200 mm H2O as compared with baseline ICP 200-350 mm H2O (hazard ratio, 1.55 [95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.19]; P = .02). Among survivors at least 7 days, the 30-day relative mortality was 50% higher among participants who did not receive any additional therapeutic LPs compared to those with ≥1 additional follow-up LP (33% vs 22%; P = .04), irrespective of baseline ICP. Conclusions Management of increased ICP remains crucial in improving clinical outcomes in cryptococcal meningitis. Guidelines should consider an approach to therapeutic LPs that is not dictated by baseline ICP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enock Kagimu
- Correspondence: Enock Kagimu, MD, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, PO Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda ()
| | - Nicole Engen
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kenneth Ssebambulidde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Kasibante
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tadeo K Kiiza
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edward Mpoza
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lillian Tugume
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edwin Nuwagira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Laura Nsangi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Darlisha A Williams
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kathy Huppler Hullsiek
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA,School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Impact of a Cryptococcal meningitis diagnosis and treatment program at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in rural, Northern Uganda. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000254. [PMID: 36713975 PMCID: PMC9878995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, infrastructure and resources for treatment of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) are often lacking. We introduced a CM diagnosis and treatment program (CM-DTP) at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) in rural Uganda to determine if implementing high-quality standard of care protocols would improve outcomes. Information extracted from hospital charts and clinical record forms at LRRH were used to compare diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes for all patients diagnosed with meningitis (n = 281) over a two-year period after initiation of the CM-DTP in February of 2017 to all patients diagnosed with meningitis (n = 215) in the two preceding years. After implementation of the CM-DTP, we observed increased confirmed diagnoses of CM from 22.2% (48 of 215) to 35.2% (99 of 281), (p = 0.002) among all patients diagnosed with meningitis. Among all patients treated for CM, the proportion who received standard of care treatment with amphotericin B plus fluconazole increased from 63 of 127 (49.6%) to 109 of 146 (74.7%), (p <0.001) and mortality improved from 66 of 127 (52.0%) to 57 of 146 (39.0%), (p = 0.04) after implementation of the CM-DTP. Implementation of the CM-DTP was associated with increased number of lumbar punctures and decreased use of antibiotics in patients with CM, as well as decreased mortality among patients with meningitis from all causes. Improved diagnosis, treatment, and mortality were observed following implementation of the CM-DTP. Our results demonstrate that quality treatment of CM in rural Uganda is feasible.
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Chang CC, Hall V, Cooper C, Grigoriadis G, Beardsley J, Sorrell TC, Heath CH. Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of cryptococcosis and rare yeast infections in the haematology/oncology setting, 2021. Intern Med J 2021; 51 Suppl 7:118-142. [PMID: 34937137 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcosis caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans-Cryptococcus gattii complex is an important opportunistic infection in people with immunodeficiency, including in the haematology/oncology setting. This may manifest clinically as cryptococcal meningitis or pulmonary cryptococcosis, or be detected incidentally by cryptococcal antigenemia, a positive sputum culture or radiological imaging. Non-Candida, non-Cryptococcus spp. rare yeast fungaemia are increasingly common in this population. These consensus guidelines aim to provide clinicians working in the Australian and New Zealand haematology/oncology setting with clear guiding principles and practical recommendations for the management of cryptococcosis, while also highlighting important and emerging rare yeast infections and their recommended management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina C Chang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Therapeutic and Vaccine Research Programme, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | - Victoria Hall
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Transplant Infectious Diseases and Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Celia Cooper
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - George Grigoriadis
- Monash Haematology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Haematology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
| | - Justin Beardsley
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases & Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tania C Sorrell
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases & Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Infectious Diseases and Sexual Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher H Heath
- Department of Microbiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital Network, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
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Stott KE, Loyse A, Jarvis JN, Alufandika M, Harrison TS, Mwandumba HC, Day JN, Lalloo DG, Bicanic T, Perfect JR, Hope W. Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis: time for action. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:e259-e271. [PMID: 33872594 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30771-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis was first described over a century ago. This fungal infection is preventable and treatable yet continues to be associated with excessive morbidity and mortality. The largest burden of disease resides in people living with HIV in low-income and middle-income countries. In this group, mortality with the best antifungal induction regimen (7 days of amphotericin B deoxycholate [1·0 mg/kg per day] and flucytosine [100·0 mg/kg per day]) in a clinical trial setting was 24% at 10 weeks. The world is now at an inflection point in terms of recognition, research, and action to address the burden of morbidity and mortality from cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. However, the scope of interventional programmes needs to increase, with particular attention to implementation science that is specific to individual countries. This Review summarises causes of excessive mortality, interventions with proven survival benefit, and gaps in knowledge and practice that contribute to the ongoing high death toll from cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. TRANSLATIONS: For the Vietnamese and Chichewa translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Elizabeth Stott
- Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutics, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK; Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | - Angela Loyse
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University and Hospital, London, UK
| | - Joe N Jarvis
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melanie Alufandika
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Henry C Mwandumba
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeremy N Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Tihana Bicanic
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University and Hospital, London, UK
| | - John R Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William Hope
- Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutics, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
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Mkoko P, Du Preez J, Naidoo S. Intracranial pressure management in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-associated cryptococcal meningitis in a resource-constrained setting. South Afr J HIV Med 2021; 21:1171. [PMID: 33391836 PMCID: PMC7756785 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v21i1.1171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis (CCM) is the leading cause of meningitis in people living with HIV (PLWH) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The mortality and morbidity associated with CCM remain high. Combination of antifungal therapy, diligent management of intracranial pressure (IP) and the correct timing of the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) minimise the risk of mortality and morbidity. The absence of spinal manometers in many healthcare centres in SSA challenges the accurate measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure and its control. Objectives We hypothesised that four lumbar punctures (LPs) in the first week of the diagnosis and treatment of CCM would reduce IP such that in-hospital mortality and morbidity of HIV-associated CCM (HIV/CCM) would be significantly reduced. Methods We conducted a retrospective study to assess whether receipt of four or more LPs in the first week of the diagnosis and treatment with combination antifungal therapy of HIV/CCM would be associated with the reduction of in-hospital mortality in adult PLWH. Results From 01 January 2016 to 31 December 2016, 116 adult patients were admitted to the Dora Nginza District Hospital in Zwide, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. After exclusion of 11 (two were younger than 18 years, two had missing hospital records and seven demised or left the hospital before 7 days of hospitalisation), 105 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 39.4 (standard deviation [s.d.] ± 9.7) years, 64.8% were male. All were PLWH. A total of 52.4% had defaulted ART and 25.7% were ART naïve. Forty-three patients received four or more LPs (mean = 4.58 [± 0.96]) in the first week of hospitalisation with an associated in-hospital mortality of 11.6% (n = 5/43) compared with 62 patients who received less than four LPs (mean = 2.18 [± 0.80]) with an in-hospital mortality of 29% (n = 18/62) and a relative risk of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.66–0.97), p = 0.034. Conclusion In the current study of adult PLWH presenting to hospital with HIV/CCM, four or more LPs in the first 7 days following admission and the initiation of treatment were associated with a 17.4% reduction in absolute risk of in-hospital mortality and a 20% reduction in relative risk of in-hospital mortality. This mortality difference was noted in patients who survived and were in hospital at the time of the 7-day study census and persisted until the time of hospital discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philasande Mkoko
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Medicine, Dora Nginza Hospital, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Jessica Du Preez
- Department of Medicine, Dora Nginza Hospital, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Senlika Naidoo
- Department of Medicine, Dora Nginza Hospital, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.,Department of Medicine, Livingstone Hospital, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
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Tenforde MW, Gertz AM, Lawrence DS, Wills NK, Guthrie BL, Farquhar C, Jarvis JN. Mortality from HIV-associated meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25416. [PMID: 31957332 PMCID: PMC6970088 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV-associated cryptococcal, TB and pneumococcal meningitis are the leading causes of adult meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with the primary aim of estimating mortality from major causes of adult meningitis in routine care settings, and to contrast this with outcomes from clinical trial settings. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for published clinical trials (defined as randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) or investigator-managed prospective cohorts) and observational studies that evaluated outcomes of adult meningitis in SSA from 1 January 1990 through 15 September 2019. We performed random effects modelling to estimate pooled mortality, both in clinical trial and routine care settings. Outcomes were stratified as short-term (in-hospital or two weeks), medium-term (up to 10 weeks) and long-term (up to six months). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Seventy-nine studies met inclusion criteria. In routine care settings, pooled short-term mortality from cryptococcal meningitis was 44% (95% confidence interval (95% CI):39% to 49%, 40 studies), which did not differ between amphotericin (either alone or with fluconazole) and fluconazole-based induction regimens, and was twofold higher than pooled mortality in clinical trials using amphotericin based treatment (21% (95% CI:17% to 25%), 17 studies). Pooled short-term mortality of TB meningitis was 46% (95% CI: 33% to 59%, 11 studies, all routine care). For pneumococcal meningitis, pooled short-term mortality was 54% in routine care settings (95% CI:44% to 64%, nine studies), with similar mortality reported in two included randomized-controlled trials. Few studies evaluated long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Mortality rates from HIV-associated meningitis in SSA are very high under routine care conditions. Better strategies are needed to reduce mortality from HIV-associated meningitis in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Tenforde
- Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWAUSA
| | - Alida M Gertz
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
| | - David S Lawrence
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Nicola K Wills
- Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- Welcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in AfricaInfectious Disease and Molecular Medicine UnitUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Brandon L Guthrie
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWAUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWAUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological disorders in HIV infection are a common cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper is to provide a narrative overview of up to date information concerning neurological disorders affecting HIV infected persons in Africa. METHODS Seminal research concerning neurological disorders among HIV-infected adults in sub-Saharan Africa from prior to 2000 was combined with an in-depth search of PubMed to identify literature published from 2000 to 2017. The following Mesh terms were used. "Nervous System Diseases" "HIV Infections" and "Africa South of the Sahara" and "Seizures" or "Spinal Cord Diseases" or "Peripheral Nervous System Diseases" or "AIDS Dementia Complex" or "Opportunistic Infections" or "Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome" or "Stroke". Only those articles written in English were used. A total of 352 articles were identified, selected and reviewed and 180 were included in the study. These included case series, observational studies, interventional studies, guidelines and reviews with metanalyses. The author also included 15 publications on the subject covering the earlier phase of the HIV epidemic in Africa from 1987 to 1999 making a total of 195 references in the study. This was combined with extensive personal experience diagnosing and treating these neurological disorders. RESULTS Neurological disorders were common, typically occurring in WHO stages III/IV. These were in three main categories: those arising from opportunistic processes mostly infections, direct HIV infection and autoimmunity. The most common were those arising from direct HIV infection occurring in >50%. These included HIV-associated neurocognitive dysfunction (HAND), neuropathy and myelopathy. Opportunistic infections occurred in >20% and frequently had a 6-9-month mortality rate of 60-70%. The main causes were cryptococcus, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis and acute bacterial meningitis. Concurrent systemic tuberculosis occurred in almost 50%. CONCLUSION Neurological disorders are common in HIV in Africa and the main CNS opportunistic infections result in high mortality rates. Strategies aimed at reducing their high burden, morbidity and mortality include early HIV diagnosis and anti-retroviral therapy (ART), screening and chemoprophylaxis of main opportunistic infections, improved clinical diagnosis and management and programme strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Howlett
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway
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Tenforde MW, Shapiro AE, Rouse B, Jarvis JN, Li T, Eshun‐Wilson I, Ford N. Treatment for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 7:CD005647. [PMID: 30045416 PMCID: PMC6513250 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd005647.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal meningitis is a severe fungal infection that occurs primarily in the setting of advanced immunodeficiency and remains a major cause of HIV-related deaths worldwide. The best induction therapy to reduce mortality from HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis is unclear, particularly in resource-limited settings where management of drug-related toxicities associated with more potent antifungal drugs is a challenge. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the best induction therapy to reduce mortality from HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis; to compare side effect profiles of different therapies. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), LILACS (BIREME), African Index Medicus, and Index Medicus for the South-East Asia Region (IMSEAR) from 1 January 1980 to 9 July 2018. We also searched the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the ISRCTN registry; and abstracts of select conferences published between 1 July 2014 and 9 July 2018. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials that compared antifungal induction therapies used for the first episode of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. Comparisons could include different individual or combination therapies, or the same antifungal therapies with differing durations of induction (less than two weeks or two or more weeks, the latter being the current standard of care). We included data regardless of age, geographical region, or drug dosage. We specified no language restriction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts identified by the search strategy. We obtained the full texts of potentially eligible studies to assess eligibility and extracted data using standardized forms. The main outcomes included mortality at 2 weeks, 10 weeks, and 6 months; mean rate of cerebrospinal fluid fungal clearance in the first two weeks of treatment; and Division of AIDS (DAIDS) grade three or four laboratory events. Using random-effects models we determined pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) and 95% CI for continuous outcomes. For the direct comparison of 10-week mortality, we assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We performed a network meta-analysis using multivariate meta-regression. We modelled treatment differences (RR and 95% CI) and determined treatment rankings for two-week and 10-week mortality outcomes using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). We assessed transitivity by comparing distribution of effect modifiers between studies, local inconsistency through a node-splitting approach, and global inconsistency using design-by-treatment interaction modelling. For the network meta-analysis, we applied a modified GRADE approach for assessing the certainty of the evidence for 10-week mortality. MAIN RESULTS We included 13 eligible studies that enrolled 2426 participants and compared 21 interventions. All studies were carried out in adults, and all but two studies were conducted in resource-limited settings, including 11 of 12 studies with 10-week mortality data.In the direct pairwise comparisons evaluating 10-week mortality, one study from four sub-Saharan African countries contributed data to several key comparisons. At 10 weeks these data showed that those on the regimen of one-week amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmBd) and flucytosine (5FC) followed by fluconazole (FLU) on days 8 to 14 had lower mortality when compared to (i) two weeks of AmBd and 5FC (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.93; 228 participants, 1 study), (ii) two weeks of AmBd and FLU (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.86; 227 participants, 1 study), (iii) one week of AmBd with two weeks of FLU (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.72; 224 participants, 1 study), and (iv) two weeks of 5FC and FLU (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.99; 338 participants, 1 study). The evidence for each of these comparisons was of moderate certainty. For other outcomes, this shortened one-week AmBd and 5FC regimen had similar fungal clearance (MD 0.05 log10 CFU/mL/day, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.12; 186 participants, 1 study) as well as lower risk of grade three or four anaemia (RR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.60; 228 participants, 1 study) compared to the two-week regimen of AmBd and 5FC.For 10-week mortality, the comparison of two weeks of 5FC and FLU with two weeks of AmBd and 5FC (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.23; 340 participants, 1 study) or two weeks of AmBd and FLU (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.13; 339 participants, 1 study) did not show a difference in mortality, with moderate-certainty evidence for both comparisons.When two weeks of combination AmBd and 5FC was compared with AmBd alone, pooled data showed lower mortality at 10 weeks (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.95; 231 participants, 2 studies, moderate-certainty evidence).When two weeks of AmBd and FLU was compared to AmBd alone, there was no difference in 10-week mortality in pooled data (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.62; 371 participants, 3 studies, low-certainty evidence).One week of AmBd and 5FC followed by FLU on days 8 to 14 was the best induction therapy regimen after comparison with 11 other regimens for 10-week mortality in the network meta-analysis, with an overall SUCRA ranking of 88%. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In resource-limited settings, one-week AmBd- and 5FC-based therapy is probably superior to other regimens for treatment of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. An all-oral regimen of two weeks 5FC and FLU may be an alternative in settings where AmBd is unavailable or intravenous therapy cannot be safely administered. We found no mortality benefit of combination two weeks AmBd and FLU compared to AmBd alone. Given the absence of data from studies in children, and limited data from high-income countries, our findings provide limited guidance for treatment in these patients and settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Tenforde
- University of Washington School of MedicineDivision of Allergy and Infectious Diseases1959 Pacific Street NESeattleUSAWA 98195
- University of Washington School of Public HealthDepartment of EpidemiologySeattleUSA
| | - Adrienne E Shapiro
- University of Washington School of MedicineDivision of Allergy and Infectious Diseases1959 Pacific Street NESeattleUSAWA 98195
| | - Benjamin Rouse
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthDepartment of Epidemiology615 N. Wolfe StreetBaltimoreMarylandUSA21205
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineFaculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesKeppel StreetLondonUKWC1E 7HT
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
| | - Tianjing Li
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthDepartment of Epidemiology615 N. Wolfe StreetBaltimoreMarylandUSA21205
| | - Ingrid Eshun‐Wilson
- Stellenbosch UniversityCentre for Evidence Based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesFrancie van Zyl Drive, Tygerberg, 7505, ParowCape TownWestern CapeSouth Africa7505
| | - Nathan Ford
- World Health OrganizationDepartment of HIV & Global Hepatitis ProgrammeGenevaSwitzerland
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Mourad A, Perfect JR. Present and Future Therapy of Cryptococcus Infections. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4030079. [PMID: 29970809 PMCID: PMC6162641 DOI: 10.3390/jof4030079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal infections burden the immunocompromised population with unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. This population includes HIV-infected individuals and those undergoing organ transplants, as well as seemingly immunocompetent patients (non-HIV, non-transplant). These groups are difficult to manage with the current therapeutic options and strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings. New trials aimed at providing the best treatment strategies for resource-limited countries that will reduce costs and adverse reactions have focused on decreasing the length of therapy and using more readily accessible antifungal agents such as fluconazole. Furthermore, the emergence of antifungal resistance poses another challenge for successful treatment and may require the development of new agents for improved management. This review will discuss the principles of management, current and future antifungal agents, as well as emerging techniques and future directions of care for this deadly infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Mourad
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - John R Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although rare, central nervous system (CNS) infections are increasingly being recognized in immunocompromised patients. The goal of the present review is to provide a practical diagnostic approach for the intensivist, and to briefly discuss some of the most prevalent conditions. RECENT FINDINGS Immunocompromised patients presenting with new neurological symptoms should always be suspected of a CNS infection. These infections carry a poor prognosis, especially if intracranial hypertension, severely altered mental status or seizures are present. Clinical examination and serum blood tests should be followed by brain imaging, and when no contra-indications are present, a lumbar puncture including cerebrospinal fluid PCR to identify causative organisms. Empirical therapy depends on the type of immunodeficiency. In HIV-infected patients, the most common CNS infection is cerebral toxoplasmosis, whereas in other immunocompromised patients, aspergillosis, cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculous meningitis are more prevalent. Multiple pathogens can be detected in up to 15% of patients. The diagnostic value of fast multiplex PCR has yet to be evaluated in this setting. SUMMARY CNS infections represent a rare but severe complication in immunocompromised patients. A systematic approach including early diagnosis, appropriate antimicrobial treatment, early ICU admission and aggressive measures to reduce intracranial pressure may improve outcome.
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Brief Report: Flow Rate of Cerebrospinal Fluid Through a Spinal Needle Can Accurately Predict Intracranial Pressure in Cryptococcal Meningitis. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 74:e64-e66. [PMID: 28187086 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) commonly present with raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Aggressive management of raised ICP reduces mortality but requires manometers, which are unavailable in most resource-limited settings. The law of Poiseuille states that the rate of flow of liquid through a tube is directly proportional to the difference in pressure between each end, and it may be possible to indirectly determine ICP by measuring flow of CSF through a spinal needle rather than using a manometer. METHODS A convenience sample of CM patients requiring lumbar puncture (LP) (with 22-G spinal needle) for ICP measurement and control were enrolled. ICP was first measured using a narrow bore manometer. After removing the manometer, the number of drops of CSF flowing from the spinal needle in 15 seconds was counted. RESULTS Thirty-two patients had 89 LPs performed (range, 1-23). Fifty-four had high opening pressure with a CSF flow rate of 16-200 drops/min, and 35 had normal pressure with a CSF flow rate of 8-140 drops/min. Area under the fitted receiver operator character curve was 0.89. A flow rate cutoff to define high pressure of ≥40 drops/min correctly classified 75 of 89 LPs (accuracy 84%). CONCLUSIONS It is technically feasible to indirectly estimate CSF pressure to an accuracy that is clinically useful by counting drops of CSF flowing from a spinal needle. The optimal cutoff value for defining high pressure using a standard 22-G spinal needle is ≥40 drops/min. These findings have the potential to improve CM management in resource-limited settings.
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Lofgren S, Abassi M, Rhein J, Boulware DR. Recent advances in AIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis treatment with an emphasis on resource limited settings. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2017; 15:331-340. [PMID: 28111998 PMCID: PMC5602588 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1285697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent advances in the treatment and prevention of cryptococcal meningitis have the potential to decrease AIDS-related deaths. Areas covered: Targeted screening for asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in persons with AIDS is a cost effective method for reducing early mortality in patients on antiretroviral therapy. For persons with symptomatic cryptococcal meningitis, optimal initial management with amphotericin and flucytosine improves survival compared to alternative therapies; however, amphotsericin is difficult to administer and flucytosine has not been available in middle or low income countries, where cryptococcal meningitis is most prevalent. Expert commentary: Improved care for cryptococcal meningitis patients in resource-limited settings is possible, and new treatment possibilities are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lofgren
- a Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
- b Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- a Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
- b Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- a Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
- b Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda
| | - David R Boulware
- a Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
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Rigi M, Khan K, Smith SV, Suleiman AO, Lee AG. Evaluation and management of the swollen optic disk in cryptococcal meningitis. Surv Ophthalmol 2017; 62:150-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Repeated therapeutic lumbar punctures in cryptococcal meningitis – necessity and/or opportunity? Curr Opin Infect Dis 2016; 29:539-545. [DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Hu Z, Yang Y, Cheng J, Cheng C, Chi Y, Wei H. The use of mannitol in HIV-infected patients with symptomatic cryptococcal meningitis. Drug Discov Ther 2016; 10:329-333. [PMID: 27725572 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2016.01054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a common opportunistic infection with a high mortality rate in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. It is unclear whether mannitol could be used to manage neurological symptoms in HIV-associated CM. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 33 patients with HIV-associated symptomatic CM at our hospital where mannitol was used to relieve neurologic symptoms. With the empirical mannitol therapy, patients had a median of 2 episodes (range, 1-6 episodes) of headaches the day at the starting of anti-cryptococcal therapy. The median score of pain intensity assessed by numerical rating scales was 7-point (range, 4-8 points). After the administration of mannitol, the score of pain intensity was reduced to 3-point or less. Three weeks after anti-cryptococcal therapy, 75.8% (25/33) of the patients did not report headaches. During the initial 3 weeks of anti-cryptococcal therapy, 13 patients had a total of 42 episodes of seizures. 97.6% (41/42) of the episodes of seizures were controlled after the administration of mannitol. Overall, 87.9% (29/33) of the patients survived more than 10 weeks without the need of therapeutic cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Mannitol was used for median of 26 days (range, 1-85 days) in these 29 patients. One patient had permanent vision loss. This study indicates that mannitol may possibly relieve neurologic symptoms in HIV-associated CM. It is worth re-revaluating the role of mannitol administration as a symptom control strategy in mild cases of HIV-associated CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiliang Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of the Southeast University
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Mamuye AT, Bornstein E, Temesgen O, Blumberg HM, Kempker RR. Point-of-Care Testing for Cryptococcal Disease Among Hospitalized Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Adults in Ethiopia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:786-792. [PMID: 27527636 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In a cross-sectional study among hospitalized human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in Ethiopia, we sought to determine the rates and predictors of cryptococcal disease and evaluate the test performance of a recently introduced point-of-care test for Cryptococcus neoformans detection in various biological samples. We tested serum, urine, and fingerstick blood samples from each patient with a cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay (CRAG LFA; Immuno Mycologic Inc., Norman, OK). Cerebrospinal fluid was collected at the discretion of the treating physician. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for a positive test result. Agreement between different sample types was also assessed. Among 198 hospitalized HIV-infected patients with a median CD4 count of 93 cells/mm3, 18 patients (9.1%) had a positive serum CRAG LFA. Of these, 16 (8.1%) had confirmed cryptococcal meningitis (CM), all of whom had a positive fingerstick blood LFA result. There was a very high agreement between CRAG LFA tests in serum and fingerstick blood samples (κ = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91-1.00); this was higher than that between serum and urine samples (κ = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.58-0.93). A CD4 count < 100 cells/mm3 was significantly associated with a positive CRAG LFA. The absence of fever, headache, meningismus, and neck stiffness had a negative predictive value of 100% for CM. In addition to finding high rates of cryptococcal disease, our study demonstrated that the use of the LFA on fingerstick whole blood is less invasive, and an effective method for CM case finding among hospitalized patients with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Admasu Tenna Mamuye
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Ethan Bornstein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Obsie Temesgen
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Henry M Blumberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Russell R Kempker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Tenforde MW, Wake R, Leeme T, Jarvis JN. HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: Bridging the Gap Between Developed and Resource-Limited Settings. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2016; 3:92-102. [PMID: 27257597 PMCID: PMC4845086 DOI: 10.1007/s40588-016-0035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a major cause of HIV-associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most cases occur in low-income countries, where over half of patients die within 10 weeks of diagnosis compared to as few as 10 % of patients from developed countries. A host of factors, spanning the HIV care continuum, are responsible for this gap in treatment outcomes between developed and resource-limited settings. We explore factors responsible for this outcomes gap and describe low-cost, highly effective measures that can be implemented immediately to improve outcomes in resource-limited settings. We also explore health-system challenges that must be addressed to reduce mortality further, recent research in disease prevention, and novel short-course treatment regimens that, if efficacious, could be implemented in resource-limited settings where the cost of standard treatment regimens is currently prohibitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W. Tenforde
- />Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA
- />University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Health Sciences Division #356423, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Rae Wake
- />Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London, UK
- />Centre for Opportunistic, Tropical and Hospital Infections, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- />National Institute for Communicable Diseases, 1 Modderfontein Road, Sandringham, Johannesburg, 2131 South Africa
| | - Tshepo Leeme
- />Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Joseph N. Jarvis
- />Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- />Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
- />Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Douglas-Vail M, Bechamp T, Gohal S, Soegtrop R, Vitali S, Rugemalila J, Stone NRH. Reversible Deafness and Blindness in a Patient with Cryptococcal Meningitis in Tanzania. Infect Dis Rep 2015; 7:6173. [PMID: 26753085 PMCID: PMC4693333 DOI: 10.4081/idr.2015.6173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a common and devastating complication of advanced HIV, and is most prevalent in low resource settings in sub Saharan Africa. Raised intracranial pressure is one of the hallmarks of the disease, which can lead to visual and hearing loss and ultimately death. We present the case of a patient with visual and hearing impairment secondary to Cryptococcal meningitis successfully managed by serial cerebrospinal fluid drainage. This case highlights some of the challenges of managing this severe opportunistic infection in a low resource setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Douglas-Vail
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University , Canada
| | - Taylor Bechamp
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University , Canada
| | - Simran Gohal
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University , Canada
| | - Robert Soegtrop
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University , Canada
| | - Sarah Vitali
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University , Canada
| | | | - Neil R H Stone
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's, University of London , UK
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Abstract
OBJECT Patients with cryptococcal meningitis often develop symptomatic intracranial hypertension. The need for permanent CSF diversion in these cases remains unclear. METHODS Cases of cryptococcal meningitis over a 5-year period were reviewed from a single, large teaching hospital. Sources of identification included ICD-9 codes, operative logs, and microscopy laboratory records. RESULTS Fifty cases of cryptococcal meningitis were identified. Ninety-eight percent (49/50) of patients were HIV positive. Opening pressure on initial lumbar puncture diagnosing cryptococcal meningitis was elevated (> 25 cm H2O) in 33 cases and normal (≤ 25 cm H2O) in 17 cases. Thirty-eight patients ultimately developed elevated opening pressure over a follow-up period ranging from weeks to years. Serial lumbar punctures for relief of intracranial hypertension were performed in 29 cases. Thirteen of these patients ultimately had shunting procedures performed after failing to improve clinically. Two factors were significantly associated with the need for shunting: patients undergoing shunt placement were more likely to be women (5/13 vs 0/16; p = 0.01) and to have a pattern of increasing CSF cryptococcal antigen (10/13 vs 3/16 cases; p = 0.003). All patients re-presenting with mycological relapse either underwent or were offered shunt placement. CONCLUSIONS Neurosurgeons are often asked to consider CSF diversion in cases of cryptococcal meningitis complicated by intracranial hypertension. Most patients do well with serial lumbar punctures combined with antifungal therapy. When required, shunting generally provided sustained relief from intracranial hypertension symptoms. Ventriculoperitoneal shunts are the favored method of diversion. To the authors' knowledge, the present study is the largest series on diversionary shunts in primarily HIV-positive patients with this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert L Atmar
- Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid protein concentrations of patients with cryptococcal meningitis treated with antifungal agents. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:333. [PMID: 26268786 PMCID: PMC4535692 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many neurological diseases are accompanied by an increase in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein concentration, which indicates dysfunction of the blood-CSF/blood-brain barrier. However, the significance CSF protein concentration of patients with cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is not fully understood. The aim of the present was to determine whether CSF protein concentrations correlated with the responses of patients to treatment with antifungal drugs. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of the analytical data of 623 lumbar punctures of 46 patients with CM who were treated at West China Hospital. We divided the patients into groups with good or poor responses to antifungal treatment. We used a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to evaluate the significance of the differences between the two groups. RESULTS The baseline CSF protein concentrations of the good antifungal response group (GR-group) (median = 0.97 g/L) were higher compared with those of the poor antifungal response group (PR-group) (median = 0.72 g/L). Analysis using the GLMM indicated that the CSF protein concentration of the GR-group decreased at a rate of 1.8 mg/L per day after antifungal treatment started and was 2.1 mg/L higher compared with that of the PR-group. CONCLUSIONS Compared with poor responders, we found that the baseline CSF protein concentrations of good responders were higher and decreased at faster rate after the initiation of antifungal treatment.
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Williams DA, Kiiza T, Kwizera R, Kiggundu R, Velamakanni S, Meya DB, Rhein J, Boulware DR. Evaluation of fingerstick cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay in HIV-infected persons: a diagnostic accuracy study. Clin Infect Dis 2015; 61:464-7. [PMID: 25838287 PMCID: PMC4503809 DOI: 10.1093/cid/civ263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of adult meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa. The cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) lateral flow assay (LFA) has simplified diagnosis as a point-of-care test approved for serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We evaluated the accuracy of the CRAG LFA using fingerstick whole blood compared with serum/plasma and CSF for diagnosing meningitis. METHODS From August 2013 to August 2014, CRAG LFA (IMMY, Norman, Oklahoma) tests were performed on fingerstick whole blood, plasma/serum, and CSF in 207 HIV-infected adults with suspected meningitis in Kampala, Uganda. Venous blood was also collected and centrifuged to obtain serum and/or plasma. CSF was tested after lumbar puncture. RESULTS Of 207 participants, 149 (72%) had fingerstick CRAG-positive results. There was 100% agreement between fingerstick whole blood and serum/plasma. Of the 149 fingerstick CRAG-positive participants, 138 (93%) had evidence of cryptococcal meningitis with a positive CSF CRAG. Eleven participants (5%) had isolated cryptococcal antigenemia with a negative CSF CRAG and culture, of whom 8 had CSF abnormalities (n = 3 lymphocytic pleocytosis, n = 5 elevated protein, n = 4 increased opening pressure). No persons with cryptococcal meningitis had negative fingersticks. CONCLUSIONS The 100% agreement between whole blood, serum, and plasma CRAG LFA results demonstrates that fingerstick CRAG is a reliable bedside diagnostic test. Using point-of-care CRAG testing simplifies screening large numbers of patients and enables physicians to prioritize on whom to measure CSF opening pressure using manometers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - David B. Meya
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
- Infectious Diseases Institute
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Makerere University,Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
- Infectious Diseases Institute
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Molefi M, Chofle AA, Molloy SF, Kalluvya S, Changalucha JM, Cainelli F, Leeme T, Lekwape N, Goldberg DW, Haverkamp M, Bisson GP, Perfect JR, Letang E, Fenner L, Meintjes G, Burton R, Makadzange T, Ndhlovu CE, Hope W, Harrison TS, Jarvis JN. AMBITION-cm: intermittent high dose AmBisome on a high dose fluconazole backbone for cryptococcal meningitis induction therapy in sub-Saharan Africa: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2015; 16:276. [PMID: 26081985 PMCID: PMC4479349 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-015-0799-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a leading cause of mortality among HIV-infected individuals in Africa. Poor outcomes from conventional antifungal therapies, unavailability of flucytosine, and difficulties administering 14 days of amphotericin B are key drivers of this mortality. Novel treatment regimes are needed. This study examines whether short-course high-dose liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome), given with high dose fluconazole, is non-inferior (in terms of microbiological and clinical endpoints) to standard-dose 14-day courses of AmBisome plus high dose fluconazole for treatment of HIV-associated CM. METHODOLOGY/DESIGN This is an adaptive open-label phase II/III randomised non-inferiority trial comparing alternative short course AmBisome regimens. Step 1 (phase II) will compare four treatment arms in 160 adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with a first episode of HIV-associated CM, using early fungicidal activity (EFA) as the primary outcome: 1) AmBisome 10 mg/kg day one (single dose); 2) AmBisome 10 mg/kg day one and AmBisome 5 mg/kg day three (two doses); 3) AmBisome 10 mg/kg day one, and AmBisome 5 mg/kg days three and seven (three doses); and 4) AmBisome 3 mg/kg/d for 14 days (control); all given with fluconazole 1200 mg daily for 14 days. STEP 2 (phase III) will enrol 300 participants and compare two treatment arms using all-cause mortality within 70 days as the primary outcome: 1) the shortest course AmBisome regimen found to be non-inferior in terms of EFA to the 14-day control arm in STEP 1, and 2) AmBisome 3 mg/kg/d for 14 days (control), both given with fluconazole 1200 mg daily for 14 days. STEP 2 analysis will include all patients from STEP 1 and STEP 2 taking the STEP 2 regimens. All patients will be followed for ten weeks, and mortality and safety data recorded. All patients will receive consolidation therapy with fluconazole 400-800 mg daily and ART in accordance with local guidelines. The primary analysis (for both STEP 1 and STEP 2) will be intention-to-treat. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN10248064. Date of Registration: 22 January 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mooketsi Molefi
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, P.O.Box 1357 ABG, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Botswana-Upenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Awilly A Chofle
- Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania.
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Research Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania.
| | - Síle F Molloy
- Research Centre for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK.
| | | | - John M Changalucha
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Research Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania.
| | - Francesca Cainelli
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, P.O.Box 1357 ABG, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | | | | | | | - Miriam Haverkamp
- Botswana-Upenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
| | - Gregory P Bisson
- Botswana-Upenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
| | - John R Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Emili Letang
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Morogoro, Tanzania.
- ISGLOBAL, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clinic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lukas Fenner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Rosie Burton
- Department of Medicine, Khayelitsha Hospital, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Tariro Makadzange
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, Harvard Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Parirenyatwa Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - Chiratidzo E Ndhlovu
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Parirenyatwa Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - William Hope
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Research Centre for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK.
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Botswana-Upenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Abassi M, Boulware DR, Rhein J. Cryptococcal Meningitis: Diagnosis and Management Update. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2015; 2:90-99. [PMID: 26279970 PMCID: PMC4535722 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-015-0046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of cryptococcal meningitis are promising and have been improving long-term survival. Point of care testing has made diagnosing cryptococcal meningitis rapid, practical, and affordable. Targeted screening and treatment programs for cryptococcal antigenemia are a cost effective method for reducing early mortality on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Optimal initial management with amphotericin and flucytosine improves survival against alternative therapies, although amphotericin is difficult to administer and flucytosine is not available in middle or low income countries, where cryptococcal meningitis is most prevalent. Controlling increased intracranial pressure with serial therapeutic lumbar punctures has a proven survival benefit. Delaying ART initiation for 4 weeks after the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis is associated with improved survival. Fortunately, new approaches have been leading the way toward improving care for cryptococcal meningitis patients. New trials utilizing different combinations of antifungal therapy are reviewed, and we summarize the efficacy of different regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Abassi
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Joshua Rhein
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review recent studies that address the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of HIV positive patients with cryptococcal and tuberculous meningitis and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in resource-different settings. RECENT FINDINGS Central nervous system opportunistic infections remain globally prevalent in HIV+ populations. Several recent papers have highlighted the urgent need for rapid point of care tests in low-income settings for cryptococcal and tuberculous meningitis, better access to antifungal therapy for cryptococcal meningitis and better treatment strategies for tuberculous meningitis. In one recent study of 299 HIV+ patients with cryptococcal meningitis, amphotericin plus flucytosine was associated with less mortality and disability compared to amphotericin alone. In a study of patients with tuberculous meningitis in Indonesia, short-term, high dose rifampicin and moxifloxacin, designed to achieve higher levels of anti-TB drugs in the brain, saw significantly reduced patient mortality at 6 months. The timing of ART initiation in patients with central nervous system opportunistic infections remains challenging and a recent study reported that deferred vs early antiretroviral therapy was associated with better survival outcomes in patients diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis. Recent studies have reported on predictors of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome for patients with central nervous system opportunistic infections, but require validation in resource-different settings. SUMMARY Recent studies related to the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system opportunistic infections in HIV+ populations show promising findings. Increased funding and research commitment are required to maintain this positive momentum and to achieve improved global outcomes for people who develop central nervous system opportunistic infections.
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Manzardo C, Guardo AC, Letang E, Plana M, Gatell JM, Miro JM. Opportunistic infections and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in HIV-1-infected adults in the combined antiretroviral therapy era: a comprehensive review. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2015; 13:751-67. [PMID: 25860288 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2015.1029917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite the availability of effective combined antiretroviral treatment, many patients still present with advanced HIV infection, often accompanied by an AIDS-defining disease. A subgroup of patients starting antiretroviral treatment under these clinical conditions may experience paradoxical worsening of their disease as a result of an exaggerated immune response towards an active (but also subclinical) infectious agent, despite an appropriate virological and immunological response to the treatment. This clinical condition, known as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, may cause significant morbidity and even mortality if it is not promptly recognized and treated. This review updates current knowledge about the incidence, diagnostic criteria, risk factors, clinical manifestations, and management of opportunistic infections and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in the combined antiretroviral treatment era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Manzardo
- Infectious Diseases Service and HIV Research Unit, Hospital Clinic - IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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Letang E, Müller MC, Ntamatungiro AJ, Kimera N, Faini D, Furrer H, Battegay M, Tanner M, Hatz C, Boulware DR, Glass TR. Cryptococcal Antigenemia in Immunocompromised Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patients in Rural Tanzania: A Preventable Cause of Early Mortality. Open Forum Infect Dis 2015. [PMID: 26213690 PMCID: PMC4511744 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofv046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal antigenemia was prevalent and an independent predictor of mortality/loss-to-follow-up in this Tanzanian cohort of ART-naïve HIV-infected individuals with CD4 <150 cells/μL. Fluconazole decreased mortality/loss-to-follow-up. These findings support the urgent adoption of the CD4-targeted cryptococcal antigen screening recommendations in Tanzania. Background. Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of death in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The World Health Organizations recommends pre-antiretroviral treatment (ART) cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) screening in persons with CD4 below 100 cells/µL. We assessed the prevalence and outcome of cryptococcal antigenemia in rural southern Tanzania. Methods. We conducted a retrospective study including all ART-naive adults with CD4 <150 cells/µL prospectively enrolled in the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort between 2008 and 2012. Cryptococcal antigen was assessed in cryopreserved pre-ART plasma. Cox regression estimated the composite outcome of death or loss to follow-up (LFU) by CRAG status and fluconazole use. Results. Of 750 ART-naive adults, 28 (3.7%) were CRAG-positive, corresponding to a prevalence of 4.4% (23 of 520) in CD4 <100 and 2.2% (5 of 230) in CD4 100–150 cells/µL. Within 1 year, 75% (21 of 28) of CRAG-positive and 42% (302 of 722) of CRAG-negative patients were dead or LFU (P<.001), with no differences across CD4 strata. Cryptococcal antigen positivity was an independent predictor of death or LFU after adjusting for relevant confounders (hazard ratio [HR], 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29–4.83; P = .006). Cryptococcal meningitis occurred in 39% (11 of 28) of CRAG-positive patients, with similar retention-in-care regardless of meningitis diagnosis (P = .8). Cryptococcal antigen titer >1:160 was associated with meningitis development (odds ratio, 4.83; 95% CI, 1.24–8.41; P = .008). Fluconazole receipt decreased death or LFU in CRAG-positive patients (HR, 0.18; 95% CI, .04–.78; P = .022). Conclusions. Cryptococcal antigenemia predicted mortality or LFU among ART-naive HIV-infected persons with CD4 <150 cells/µL, and fluconazole increased survival or retention-in-care, suggesting that targeted pre-ART CRAG screening may decrease early mortality or LFU. A CRAG screening threshold of CD4 <100 cells/µL missed 18% of CRAG-positive patients, suggesting guidelines should consider a higher threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Letang
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute , Basel , Switzerland ; ISGLOBAL, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB) , Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona , Spain ; Ifakara Health Institute , Ifakara, Morogoro , United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Matthias C Müller
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute , Basel , Switzerland ; Center for Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, Department of Medicine , Medical Center-University of Freiburg , Germany
| | | | - Namvua Kimera
- Ifakara Health Institute , Ifakara, Morogoro , United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Diana Faini
- Ifakara Health Institute , Ifakara, Morogoro , United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Hansjakob Furrer
- Department of Infectious Diseases , Bern University Hospital and University of Bern
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology , University Hospital Basel , Switzerland
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Christoph Hatz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute , Basel , Switzerland
| | | | - Tracy R Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute , Basel , Switzerland
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Comparison of Different In Vitro Tests to Detect Cryptococcus neoformans Not Susceptible to Amphotericin B. Mycopathologia 2015; 179:359-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-015-9871-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Pappas PG. Editorial commentary: An expanded role for therapeutic lumbar punctures in newly diagnosed AIDS-associated cryptococcal meningitis? Clin Infect Dis 2014; 59:1615-7. [PMID: 25100866 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciu600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Pappas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Rajasingham R, Rhein J, Klammer K, Musubire A, Nabeta H, Akampurira A, Mossel EC, Williams DA, Boxrud DJ, Crabtree MB, Miller BR, Rolfes MA, Tengsupakul S, Andama AO, Meya DB, Boulware DR. Epidemiology of meningitis in an HIV-infected Ugandan cohort. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 92:274-9. [PMID: 25385864 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is limited understanding of the epidemiology of meningitis among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected populations in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a prospective cohort study of HIV-infected adults with suspected meningitis in Uganda, to comprehensively evaluate the etiologies of meningitis. Intensive cerebrospiral fluid (CSF) testing was performed to evaluate for bacterial, viral, fungal, and mycobacterial etiologies, including neurosyphilis,16s ribosomal DNA (rDNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bacteria, Plex-ID broad viral assay, quantitative-PCR for HSV-1/2, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Toxoplasma gondii; reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) for Enteroviruses and arboviruses, and Xpert MTB/RIF assay. Cryptococcal meningitis accounted for 60% (188 of 314) of all causes of meningitis. Of 117 samples sent for viral PCR, 36% were EBV positive. Among cryptococcal antigen negative patients, the yield of Xpert MTB/RIF assay was 22% (8 of 36). After exclusion of cryptococcosis and bacterial meningitis, 61% (43 of 71) with an abnormal CSF profile had no definitive diagnosis. Exploration of new TB diagnostics and diagnostic algorithms for evaluation of meningitis in resource-limited settings remains needed, and implementation of cryptococcal diagnostics is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha Rajasingham
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kate Klammer
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abdu Musubire
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Nabeta
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew Akampurira
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eric C Mossel
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Darlisha A Williams
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dave J Boxrud
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mary B Crabtree
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barry R Miller
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Melissa A Rolfes
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Supatida Tengsupakul
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alfred O Andama
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David B Meya
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David R Boulware
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado; Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Nabeta HW, Bahr NC, Rhein J, Fossland N, Kiragga AN, Meya DB, Dunlop SJ, Boulware DR. Accuracy of noninvasive intraocular pressure or optic nerve sheath diameter measurements for predicting elevated intracranial pressure in cryptococcal meningitis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2014; 1:ofu093. [PMID: 25734161 PMCID: PMC4324219 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofu093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraocular pressure measurement by tonometry and optic nerve sheath diameter measurement by ultrasound have imprecise but statistical correlation with intracranial pressure. Neither technique is an effective surrogate measure of intracranial pressure in cryptococcal meningitis; manometry should be used. Background Cryptococcal meningitis is associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Therapeutic lumbar puncture (LP) is recommended when the initial ICP is >250 mm H2O, yet the availability of manometers in Africa is limited and not always used where available. We assessed whether intraocular pressure could be a noninvasive surrogate predictor to determine when additional therapeutic LPs are necessary. Methods Ninety-eight human immunodeficiency virus-infected Ugandans with suspected meningitis (81% Cryptococcus) had intraocular pressure measured using a handheld tonometer (n = 78) or optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured by ultrasound (n = 81). We determined the diagnostic performance of these methods for predicting ICP vs a standard manometer. Results The median ICP was 225 mm H2O (interquartile range [IQR], 135–405 mm H2O). The median intraocular pressure was 28 mm Hg (IQR, 22–37 mm Hg), and median ultrasound ONSD was 5.4 mm (IQR, 4.95–6.1 mm). ICP moderately correlated with intraocular pressure (ρ = 0.45, P < .001) and with ultrasound ONSD (ρ = 0.44, P < .001). There were not discrete threshold cutoff values for either tonometry or ultrasound ONSD that provided a suitable cutoff diagnostic value to predict elevated ICP (>200 mm H2O). However, risk of elevated ICP >200 mm H2O was increased with an average intraocular pressure >28 mm Hg (relative risk [RR] = 3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55–5.92; P < .001) or an average of ONSD >5 mm (RR = 2.39; 95% CI, 1.42–4.03; P = .003). As either intraocular pressure or ONSD increased, probability of elevated ICP increased (ie, positive predictive value increased). Conclusions Noninvasive intraocular pressure measurements by tonometry or ultrasound correlate with cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure, but both are a suboptimal replacement for actual ICP measurement with a manometer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry W Nabeta
- Infectious Diseases Institute , Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Nathan C Bahr
- Infectious Diseases Institute , Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda ; Department of Medicine ; Center for Infectious Disease and Microbiology Translational Research
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Infectious Diseases Institute , Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda ; Department of Medicine ; Center for Infectious Disease and Microbiology Translational Research
| | | | - Agnes N Kiragga
- Infectious Diseases Institute , Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute , Makerere University , Kampala , Uganda ; Department of Medicine ; Center for Infectious Disease and Microbiology Translational Research
| | - Stephen J Dunlop
- Department of Emergency Medicine , Hennepin County Medical Center ; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - David R Boulware
- Department of Medicine ; Center for Infectious Disease and Microbiology Translational Research
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Utility of urine and serum lateral flow assays to determine the prevalence and predictors of cryptococcal antigenemia in HIV-positive outpatients beginning antiretroviral therapy in Mwanza, Tanzania. J Int AIDS Soc 2014; 17:19040. [PMID: 25109284 PMCID: PMC4127809 DOI: 10.7448/ias.17.1.19040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Revised: 06/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Detection of subclinical cryptococcal disease using cryptococcal antigen screening among HIV-positive individuals presents a potential opportunity for prevention of both clinical disease and death if patients with detectable cryptococcal antigen are identified and treated pre-emptively. Recently developed point-of-care cryptococcal antigen tests may be useful for screening, particularly in resource-limiting settings, but few studies have assessed their utility. METHODOLOGY The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and factors associated with cryptococcal antigenemia in HIV-positive patients with CD4(+) T-cell counts ≤200 cells/µL who were initiating ART, and also to evaluate the utility of the point-of-care urine lateral flow assay (LFA) cryptococcal antigen test using two different diluents, compared to gold standard serum antigen testing, as a screening tool. Urine and serum of outpatients initiating antiretroviral therapy at two hospitals in Mwanza were tested for cryptococcal antigen, and demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained using structured questionnaires and patients' files. Patients with asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia received oral fluconazole in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations. RESULTS Among 140 patients screened, 10 (7.1%) had asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia with a positive serum cryptococcal antigen. Four of these ten patients had CD4 counts between 100 and 200 cells/µL. The prevalence of cryptococcal antigen detected in urine using a standard (older) and a test (newer) diluent were 44 (31.4%) and 19 (13.6%), with Kappa coefficients compared to serum of 0.28 and 0.51 (p<0.001 for both). Compared to the new LFA diluent for urine cryptococcal antigen, the standard diluent had higher sensitivity (100% versus 80%) but lower specificity (74% versus 92%) using serum cryptococcal antigen as a gold standard. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that HIV-positive outpatients with CD4 counts <200 cells/µL, rather than 100, should be screened for asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia given its association with mortality if untreated. Agreement of the urine LFA with the serum LFA was not sufficient to recommend routine screening with urine LFA.
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Rolfes MA, Hullsiek KH, Rhein J, Nabeta HW, Taseera K, Schutz C, Musubire A, Rajasingham R, Williams DA, Thienemann F, Muzoora C, Meintjes G, Meya DB, Boulware DR. The effect of therapeutic lumbar punctures on acute mortality from cryptococcal meningitis. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 59:1607-14. [PMID: 25057102 PMCID: PMC4441057 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciu596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracranial pressure management with repeat lumbar puncture (LP) was investigated in patients with cryptococcal meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa. Conducting at least 1 additional LP soon after cryptococcal diagnosis was related to decreased risk of acute mortality regardless of initial pressure. Introduction. Cryptococcal meningitis is the most common cause of adult meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa. Raised intracranial pressure (ICP) is common in cryptococcosis. Prior studies suggest elevated ICP is associated with mortality, and guidelines recommend frequent lumbar punctures (LPs) to control ICP. However, the magnitude of the impact of LPs on cryptococcal-related mortality is unknown. Methods. In sum, 248 individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated cryptococcal meningitis, screened for the Cryptococcal Optimal ART Timing (COAT) trial in Uganda and South Africa, were observed. Individuals received an LP to diagnose meningitis, and subsequent therapeutic LPs were recommended for elevated ICP (>250 mmH2O) or new symptoms. We compared survival, through 11 days, between individuals receiving at least 1 therapeutic LP with individuals not receiving therapeutic LPs. The COAT trial randomized subjects at 7–11 days; thus, follow-up stopped at time of death, randomization, or 11 days. Results. Seventy-five (30%) individuals had at least 1 therapeutic LP. Individuals receiving therapeutic LPs had higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressures, higher CSF fungal burdens, and were more likely to have altered mental status at baseline than those with no therapeutic LPs. Thirty-one deaths (18%) occurred among 173 individuals without a therapeutic LP and 5 deaths (7%) among 75 with at least 1 therapeutic LP. The adjusted relative risk of mortality was 0.31 (95% confidence interval: .12–.82). The association was observed regardless of opening pressure at baseline. Conclusions. Therapeutic LPs were associated with a 69% relative improvement in survival, regardless of initial intracranial pressure. The role of therapeutic LPs should be reevaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathy Huppler Hullsiek
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Department of Medicine, Medical School Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala
| | - Henry W Nabeta
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala
| | - Kabanda Taseera
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
| | - Charlotte Schutz
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Abdu Musubire
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala
| | - Radha Rajasingham
- Department of Medicine, Medical School Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala
| | - Darlisha A Williams
- Department of Medicine, Medical School Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala
| | - Friedrich Thienemann
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Conrad Muzoora
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - David B Meya
- Department of Medicine, Medical School Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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