[A retrospective therapeutic study of neurocryptococcosis in 112 AIDS and non-AIDS patients]

A total of 112 AIDS and no AIDS cryptococcosis patients admitted at Emílio Ribas Hospital--São Paulo, Brazil, were treated with amphotericin B (AMB) or amphotericin B and 5 fluorocytosine (5FC). Age, race, predisposing and epidemiological factors, respiratory symptoms were evaluated. Goodman tests applied in three patients groups (I, II and III) with associate or unique therapy revealed: 1. prognostic factors: leukocytes ang glucose showed similar response in groups I, II and III and protein spinal fluid after 1.5g/AMB; 2. India ink tests and Cryptococcus culture were often positive until 1.0g/AMB; 3. significant hypokalemia during monotherapy. Hypo and hyperkalemia had similar data in associate therapy; 4. significant difference in adverse reactions often appeared above 0.7g AMB/250g 5FC; 5. early and late death were common in group III (unique) and group I (no AIDS) and III (2.5 to 4.0g) respectively; 6. similar remission and deaths were verified in AIDS/cryptococcosis.

adverse reactions were observed above 0.75g/AMB plus 250g 5FC. Association was important in initial therapy and AMB maintenance permitted late relapses.