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Treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in resource limited settings

Sloan, D. J., Dedicoat, Martin and Lalloo, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7680-2200 (2009) 'Treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in resource limited settings'. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, Vol 22, Issue 5, pp. 455-463.

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Abstract

Purpose of review: Cryptococcal meningitis most commonly occurs in advanced HIV. Although diminishing in the developed world with antiretroviral therapy (ART), it remains a major problem in resource-limited settings. ART rollout will improve long-term HIV survival if opportunistic infections are effectively treated. Considering cryptococcal meningitis in that context, this review addresses excess morbidity and mortality in developing countries, treatment in areas of limited drug availability and challenges posed by combined anticryptococcal and HIV therapy. Recent findings: From Early Fungicidal Activity (EFA) studies, amphotericin B-flucytosine is best induction therapy but often unavailable; high dose amphotericin B monotherapy may be feasible in some settings. Where fluconazole is the only option, higher doses are more fungicidal. Serum cryptococcal antigen testing may identify patients at highest disease risk and primary prophylaxis is effective; the clinical role of such interventions needs to be established. Timing of ART introduction remains controversial; early initiation risks Immune Reconstitution Disease (IRD) delays may increase mortality. Summary: Amphotericin B based treatment is appropriate where possible. More studies are needed to optimize fluconazole monotherapy doses. Other research priorities include management of raised intracranial pressure, appropriate ART initiation and IRD treatment. Studies should focus on developing countries where problems are greatest. © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: WC Communicable Diseases > Virus Diseases > Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV Infections > WC 503 Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV infections
WC Communicable Diseases > Mycoses > WC 475 Cryptococcosis. Sporotrichosis
QV Pharmacology > QV 34 Experimental pharmacology (General)
Faculty: Department: Groups (2002 - 2012) > Clinical Group
Digital Object Identifer (DOI): https://doi.org/10.1097/QCO.0b013e32832fa214
Depositing User: Users 43 not found.
Date Deposited: 16 Jun 2010 15:25
Last Modified: 06 Feb 2018 12:59
URI: https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/384

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