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Published on: February 27, 2018
Clinical treatment of cryptococcal meningitis: an evidence-based review on the emerging clinical data
Mao-Zhu Liu1,2, Xin-Hua Dai3, Ming-Tang Zeng2
1Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guo Xue Xiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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.
Insights
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a deadly fungal brain infection. This review examines current treatment strategies and discusses options to improve outcomes for patients with this severe CNS infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Neurology
Background:
- Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a severe fungal infection of the central nervous system (CNS).
- It presents with symptoms like fever, headache, and visual disturbances, and is fatal without treatment.
- Both immunocompromised (e.g., HIV-positive, transplant recipients) and immunocompetent individuals are susceptible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research progress in Cryptococcal meningitis treatment strategies.
- To discuss suitable management options for CM.
- To provide a reference for physicians selecting optimal treatment regimens.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on CM treatment.
- Analysis of existing therapeutic options and their limitations.
- Discussion of emerging and established treatment approaches.
Main Results:
- CM treatment is challenging due to limited drug choices, adverse reactions, and drug resistance.
- Timely and effective treatment is crucial for improving patient mortality and prognosis.
- Current clinical outcomes for CM remain unsatisfactory.
Conclusions:
- Further research and development of effective treatments are needed for Cryptococcal meningitis.
- Optimizing current treatment regimens is essential for better patient outcomes.
- Physicians require updated guidance for managing this life-threatening fungal CNS infection.
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