title: Cryptococcal meningitis and SLE: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
abstract: Cryptococcal meningitis is a rare occurrence in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The risk factors of developing this infection are duration of SLE, intensity of glucocorticoid use, and SLE-related intrinsic immune abnormalities. Early recognition and prompt initiation of antifungals can prevent complications and improve survival. There is a dearth of evidence with regards to optimal treatment of cryptococcosis in non-HIV infected and non-transplant patients. The general consensus is to follow treatment guidelines for HIV-positive patients with cryptococcal meningitis. We describe a girl with active SLE and cryptococcal meningitis, and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges faced in this case.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khairullah
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sulaiman
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yahya
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jasmin
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Cheah
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sockalingam
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bick
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Chin Teck
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D016919:Meningitis, Cryptococcal / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy