Chapter 42

Management of Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis in Both Developed and Developing Countries

Joseph N. Jarvis

Joseph N. Jarvis

Centre for Infection, St George's University of London, London, SW17 ORE United Kingdom

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Tihana Bicanic

Tihana Bicanic

Centre for Infection, St George's University of London, London, SW17 ORE United Kingdom

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Thomas S. Harrison

Thomas S. Harrison

Centre for Infection, St George's University of London, London, SW17 ORE United Kingdom

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First published: 12 November 2010

Summary

This chapter discusses the current management of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in terms of antifungal drug therapy, the management of complications, notably raised cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, the issues of the timing and choice of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected patients, and the management of symptomatic relapse, including immune reconstitution syndromes. The result is that if patients anywhere in the world with access to ART survive the initial critical months of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, they have an excellent long-term prognosis. The chapter highlights opportunities for improved intervention, including for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The emphasis is on HIV-associated infection in resource-limited settings, which constitute the majority of the global burden of cryptococcal infection. Examination of outcomes of therapy for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis in resource-limited settings illustrates that a high proportion of patients with abnormal mental status at presentation is associated with high mortality irrespective of the antifungal treatment available. The chapter also summarizes some of the reasons underlying the high mortality of patients with cryptococcal meningitis, including the constraints on optimal management in developing-country settings.

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