Influence of HBV or HCV associated chronic liver diseases on the course and outcome of purulent, bacterial meningoencephalitis.

BACKGROUND

Aim of the study was evaluation of HBV or HCV associated chronic liver diseases (HBV or HCV CHLD) influence on the course and outcome of purulent, bacterial meningoencephalitis (PBME), without symptoms of sepsis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 1995-99 there were 8 patients with PBME, with chronic HBV (5 subjects) or HCV (3 subjects) infection, treated in our centre; mean age 43 years. Str. pneumoniae and N. meningitidis were etiologic factors of PBME in 25% and 12.5% of patients, respectively. In 62.5% of cases etiology of PBME remained unknown. In 2 patients HBV or HCV CHLD was diagnosed before PBME (1 case--chronic active hepatitis, 1 case--postinflammatory liver cirrhosis). During hospitalization due to PBME in 4 patients liver cirrhosis was diagnosed on the base of clinical picture and laboratory results, in 2 patients chronic hepatitis B or C was subject to further diagnostic procedures.

RESULTS

In 7 subjects (87.5%) significant increase of AlAT and AspAT activity was recorded during acute phase of neuroinfection as compared to results preceding the hospitalization (to 300-400 U/l). Together with recovery from PBME decrease of aminotransferases activity was noted. In 1 fatal case high AlAT and AspAT activity was observed for the whole time of the disease. In 2 other patients with liver cirrhosis, classified into class A of Child-Turcott-Pugh classification at the beginning of PBME, after transient insignificant aminotransferases increase sudden decompensation of liver functions during recovery from PBME was observed. Both patients died due to haemorrhage from esophageal varices. In all patients with PBME and HBV or HCV CHLD inflammatory parameters of cerebrospinal fluid were increased for longer than average time. It was the reason of longer hospital stay. The influence of HBV or HCV CHLD on PBME outcome was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

1. In patients with PBME concomitant HBV or HCV CHLD may exert negative influence on the course of neuroinfection and extend the period of hospitalization. 2. The increase of aminotransferases activity in these patients may suggest other hepatotropic virus superinfection and require further diagnostics. 3. In the case of HBV or HCV associated postinflammatory liver cirrhosis PBME may be connected with rapid liver disease progression and even the death of a patient.