American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the duration of the consolidation period for cryptococcal meningitis treatment in AIDS patients?

1. 2 weeks

2. 4 weeks

3. 8 weeks

4. 1 year

The correct answer is: 8 weeks

The consolidation period for cryptococcal meningitis treatment in AIDS patients is typically 8 weeks. During this phase of treatment, patients receive a prolonged course of antifungal therapy following the induction phase. The initial 2 weeks usually involve high-dose amphotericin B combined with flucytosine to rapidly reduce the fungal burden and induce clinical improvement. Subsequently, the consolidation phase aims to ensure that any residual cryptococcal infection is fully eradicated, thereby reducing the risk of relapse, which is particularly critical in immunocompromised individuals such as those with AIDS. The 8-week duration is supported by clinical guidelines and research, emphasizing the need for adequate treatment to enhance long-term outcomes and minimize the risk of recurrence. In contrast, a shorter duration like 2 weeks may not provide sufficient time to adequately consolidate the treatment’s success, while a duration of 4 weeks may still fall short. An extended duration of 1 year is excessive and not standard for consolidation treatment in this context, as it does not align with current treatment protocols. Therefore, the correct duration of the consolidation period for cryptococcal meningitis treatment in AIDS patients is 8 weeks.