title: Cryptococcal meningitis in patients with AIDS.
abstract: In the U.S., cryptococcal meningitis is the most common form of fungal meningitis and a major cause of morbidity and mortality among immuno-suppressed patients. In the AIDS patient, cryptococcal meningitis often presents with fever and headache and is best treated with intravenous amphotericin B and oral flucytosine, or fluconazole. However, toxic effects may result from the therapy. This disease frequently relapses necessitating life-long treatment to prevent reactivation. Essential management principles focusing upon health education are presented to promote comprehensive nursing care for patients testing positive for the human immunodeficiency virus who also have cryptococcal meningitis.
authors.affiliation: Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mocsny
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing; D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015725:Fluconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005437:Flucytosine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016919:Meningitis, Cryptococcal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
chemical_list: D000666:Amphotericin B; D015725:Fluconazole; D005437:Flucytosine