Dexamethasone in Cryptococcus gattii central nervous system infection

Clin Infect Dis. 2009 Aug 15;49(4):591-5. doi: 10.1086/603554.

Abstract

Clinical outcomes were reviewed for 4 patients with Cryptococcus gattii central nervous system infection who received dexamethasone for the treatment of persisting mental status abnormalities and focal lesions on brain scan despite culture-negative cerebrospinal fluid and the management of intracranial pressure. Favorable clinical responses were observed in 3 patients. Although corticosteroids are not recommended for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis, these observations suggest that dexamethasone should be further evaluated in this subset of patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Central Nervous System Infections / drug therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Infections / microbiology*
  • Cryptococcosis / drug therapy*
  • Cryptococcus / drug effects*
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Dexamethasone