Hakyemez IN, et al. - Researchers performed this multicenter study to analyze all types of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) cases in an aggregate cohort to disclose unfavorable outcomes. As per findings, prompt and rational fungal management was required for all CM patients. While they recommended close monitoring for those with significant risks for poor outcomes.

Methods

• From 2000 to 2015, the hospitalized CM patients in 26 medical centers from 11 countries were retrospectively reviewed.
• Researchers included demographics, clinical, microbiological, radiological, therapeutic data, and outcomes.
• Unfavorable outcomes were death, neurological sequelae, or relapse.

Results

• Researchers identified 160 study cases; of these, 70 (43.8%) indicated unfavorable outcomes and 104 (65%) were HIV infected.
• Multivariate analysis indicated that the higher Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores (p=0.021), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leukocyte counts > 20 (p=0.038), and higher CSF glucose levels (p=0.048) were associated with favorable outcomes.
• On the other hand, poor outcomes were evident with malignancy (p=0.026).