Cryptococcus is a common and highly morbid cause of meningoencephalitis in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND

Sepsis frequently occurs in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis. Among this cohort, meningoencephalitis is likely underdiagnosed, and Cryptococcus neoformans may be a common pathogen.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aims to (1) understand the epidemiology and mortality of meningoencephalitis in patients with cirrhosis, (2) identify those at risk for cryptococcal meningitis, and (3) assess the safety of lumbar puncture (LP).

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample was screened from 2016 to 2019 to identify hospital stays during which patients with cirrhosis underwent LP. We characterised the demographics, clinical data, and outcomes of those with and without meningoencephalitis. We then used logistic regression models to identify clinical factors associated with cryptococcal meningitis and described the incidence of LP-related complications.

RESULTS

Among 3,435 hospitalisations, meningoencephalitis occurred in 274 (8%). Of all pathogens, Cryptococcus neoformans was the most common (19%) and most deadly (33% mortality; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-4.74; p = 0.02). Ascites was the only risk factor associated with cryptococcal meningitis (aOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.68-4.87; p < 0.001). LP-related complications were rare (<1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Cryptococcal meningitis is a common and morbid cause of meningoencephalitis among hospitalised patients with cirrhosis. LP is safe and should be considered in those with clinical features of infection without a clear source who fail to improve after standard therapy. However, the role of broader screening strategies among patients with cirrhosis remains uncertain, and further research is needed to refine diagnostic approaches for invasive fungal infections, including cryptococcal meningitis.