Prevalence of Asymptomatic Cryptococcal Antigenemia and Association with Follow-up Risk of Cryptococcal Meningitis and Mortality among HIV Infected Patients in North West India: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Cryptococcal meningitis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV infected individuals. In the era of universal antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) related cryptococcal meningitis has increased. Detection of serum cryptococcal antigen in asymptomatic PLHIV (People Living With HIV) and preemptive treatment with fluconazole can decrease the burden of cryptococcal disease. We conducted this study to find the prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in India and its correlation with mortality in PLHIV. METHOD AND MATERIALS: This was a prospective observational study. HIV infected ART naïve patients with age of ≥ 18 years who had CD4 counts ≤ 100 /µL were included and serum cryptococcal antigen test was done. These patients were followed for six months to look for the development of Cryptococcal meningitis and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were analyzed. Asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia was detected in 5.17% of patients and is correlated with increased risk of cryptococcal meningitis and mortality on follow-up in PLHIV. CONCLUSION: Serum cryptococcal antigen positivity is correlated with an increased risk of Cryptococcal meningitis and mortality in PLHIV. We recommend the screening of asymptomatic PLHIV with CD4 ≤ 100/µL for serum cryptococcal antigen, so that pre-emptive treatment can be initiated to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Intractable Hiccups due to Isolated Parainfectious Myelitis.

Demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system are diseases that affect the optic nerves, brain, and spinal cord, leading to visual loss, brainstem dysfunction, and locomotor dysfunction. Intractable vomiting is a rare phenomenon seen due to the involvement of the medulla oblongata in neuromyelitis optica, a rare autoimmune demyelinating disorder. We present our experience with a 33-year-old male who presented to our facility with complaints of intractable hiccups. After extensive evaluation, he was found to have parainfectious myelitis. His symptoms completely resolved following institution of appropriate therapy. Through this report, we hope to bring attention to an unusual cause of intractable hiccups that may often go undiagnosed in general practice.

Clinical and laboratory correlates of selective autonomic dysfunction due to Ross syndrome.

Ross syndrome is diagnosed by the presence of the characteristic triad of segmental anhidrosis, depressed deep tendon reflex, and tonic pupils. It is a rare, misdiagnosed autonomic disorder with less than 80 cases reported in the world literature. Two representative cases of Ross syndrome are presented with their laboratory correlates and relevant review of literature. Both cases (aged 35 and 58) presented with complaint of decreased sweating over one half of the face and ipsilateral upper limb and trunk and contralateral lower limb. There was compensatory increased sweating and hyperpigmentation over the remaining parts of the body. The duration of symptoms was 2 years and 15 days. The patients had variegated skin color as per the above distribution and hyporeflexia in lower limbs. One patient also had Holmes-Adie pupil. Iodine test showed hypohidrosis in the described areas, which was confirmed by skin biopsy in both cases. The patients were treated symptomatically with incomplete relief. The authors aim to highlight this rare disorder that can be one of the causes of pathological sweating encountered in general practice and the challenges in its management.