Neurocognitive Impairment Among Cryptococcal Meningitis Survivors in Uganda, a Prospective Cohort Study
- PMID: 40008306
- PMCID: PMC11850114
- DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaf054
Neurocognitive Impairment Among Cryptococcal Meningitis Survivors in Uganda, a Prospective Cohort Study
Abstract
Background: Neurocognitive impairment in HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis survivors remains poorly characterized. We sought to identify risk factors associated with sustained neurocognitive impairment.
Methods: Cryptococcal meningitis survivors from the ASTRO-CM trial underwent neurocognitive assessment at 12 weeks. A composite quantitative neurocognitive performance score (QNPZ-8) was calculated as a mean of 8 independent z-scores. Participants were classified by QNPZ-8 score as having mild (QNPZ-8 ≥-1), moderate (-2 < QNPZ-8 < -1), or severe (QNPZ-8 ≤-2) impairment compared with the reference cohort of HIV-negative Ugandan adults. We compared differences in baseline demographics and clinical and laboratory variables by impairment categories.
Results: One hundred fifty-two participants completed ≥5 of the 8 neuropsychological tests and were included in the analysis. Overall, 37% (57/152) exhibited mild (QNPZ-8 ≥-1), 37% (56/152) moderate (-2 < QNPZ-8 < -1), and 26% (39/152) severe impairment (QNPZ-8 ≤-2). The overall mean QNPZ-8 score (SD) of -1.4 (0.82) denoted moderate neurocognitive impairment at 12 weeks. At baseline, lower weight (P = .03), Glasgow Coma Scale score <15 (P = .03), and education ≤7 years (P < .001) were more frequently observed among those with severe neurocognitive impairment at 12 weeks. Education ≤7 years (odds ratio, 6.13; 95% CI, 2.96-12.68; P < .001) and Glasgow Coma Scale score <15 (odds ratio, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.23-5.57; P = .013) were associated with moderate or severe neurocognitive impairment.
Conclusions: Neurocognitive impairment is prevalent at 12 weeks post-treatment in HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. Education level and Glasgow Coma Scale score <15 are associated with worse neurocognitive performance. Our findings underscore the need to further evaluate the impact of cryptococcal meningitis on neurocognitive outcomes.
Keywords: HIV; central nervous system infections; cryptococcal meningitis; neurocognitive assessment; neurocognitive impairment.
© The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Conflict of interest statement
Potential conflicts of interest. All authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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References
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- Pasquier E, Kunda J, De Beaudrap P, et al. Long-term mortality and disability in cryptococcal meningitis: a systematic literature review. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 66:1122–32. - PubMed
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