title: Shunt surgery for hydrocephalus complicating cryptococcal meningitis in human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients.
abstract: From 1988 through 2001, 27 patients with cryptococcal meningitis who had hydrocephalus were identified and were treated by placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. To assess the predictive value of the response to VP shunts in terms of outcome in these patients, univariate analysis for variables was performed. Poor outcome was associated with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of <or=8 (P<.001) and duration of altered consciousness of >48 h (P=.02). Use of VP shunts did not result in a good response or outcome in comatose patients. Thus, any delay in the diagnosis or treatment of patients with hydrocephalus could cause a deterioration of consciousness and is associated with poor outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Niao Sung Hsiang, Kaohsiung Hsien, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Po-Chou
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Liliang
authors.forename: Cheng-Loong
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: Wen-Neng
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Han-Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Thung-Ming
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Kang
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Cheng-Hsien
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lu
mesh_terms: D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003455:Cryptococcus neoformans / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D018023:HIV Seronegativity; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D016919:Meningitis, Cryptococcal / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents