Guideline for the prevention, diagnosis and management of cryptococcal meningitis among HIV-infected persons: 2013 update

Abstract

Six years after the first Society guidelines were published, cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected adults in South Africa. Several important developments have spurred the publication of updated guidelines to manage this common fungal opportunistic infection. Recommendations described here include: (1) screening and pre-emptive treatment; (2) laboratory diagnosis and monitoring; (3) management of a first episode of CM; (4) amphotericin B deoxycholate toxicity prevention, monitoring and management; (5) timing of antiretroviral therapy among patients with CM; (6) management of raised intracranial pressure; (7) management of relapse episodes of CM.