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[Cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities in 170 cases of AIDS]
J A Livramento1, L R Machado, A Spina-França
1Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.
Insights
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in 170 AIDS patients revealed significant abnormalities in most cases. Opportunistic infections were common, highlighting the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on neurological health.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Context:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial for diagnosing neurological complications in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- Neurological syndromes are prevalent in individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
Purpose:
- To investigate the composition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients diagnosed with AIDS and neurological syndromes.
- To identify common opportunistic infections and abnormalities in CSF among this patient population.
Summary:
- CSF analysis was performed on 170 AIDS patients presenting with neurological syndromes. While 4.7% showed normal CSF composition, abnormalities were frequent.
- Aseptic meningitis occurred in 20.1% of cases. Etiological diagnoses for associated infections included cryptococcosis (35.9%), toxoplasmosis (25.6%), and syphilis.
- Anti-HIV antibodies were detected in 87.3% of tested CSF samples. Multiple infections were observed in 15 cases, underscoring the complex interplay of pathogens in advanced HIV disease.
Impact:
- This study provides valuable insights into the spectrum of neurological manifestations and associated infections in AIDS patients.
- Findings emphasize the importance of CSF analysis for timely diagnosis and management of opportunistic infections affecting the central nervous system in HIV-infected individuals.
- The data contributes to understanding the pathophysiology of neurological complications in AIDS and informs clinical practice for this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was analysed in 170 AIDS patients. All of them showed HIV positive serological tests. All of them showed neurologic syndromes related to AIDS. The time period of the investigation was July 1984-April 1989. In 8 cases (4.7%) CSF composition was normal. Lymphoma cells were observed in three cases. Aseptic meningities occurred in 34 cases (20.1%). Aetiological diagnosis of associated infection was established in 88 cases: cryptococcosis in 28 (35.9%); toxoplasmosis in 20 (25.6%); syphilis in 10; candidiasis in 3; Chagas disease in 2; tuberculosis in 1; nocardiosis in 1; schistosomiasis in 1. Antibodies for other virus were detected in 7. Bacteria were isolated in 5 cases. Anti-HIV antibodies were tested in CSF samples of 55 cases: they were found in 48 (87.3%). Two or more associated infections were observed in 15 cases. Changes of CSF composition in AIDS are discussed taking into account changes reported.