Liposomal amphotericin B for a case of intractable cryptococcal meningoencephalitis and immune reconstitution syndrome

J Med Invest. 2008 Aug;55(3-4):292-6. doi: 10.2152/jmi.55.292.

Abstract

We examined the efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) for intractable cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the presence of immune reconstitution syndrome (IRS) caused by the treatment. A 34-year-old patient presented with meningitis. Cryptococcal organisms were detected microscopically in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with Indian ink staining, and were then cultured from the CSF. Initial treatment with amphotericin B and flucytosine (5-FC) or voriconazole and/or fluconazole failed to eradicate cryptococcal organisms from the CSF. Secondary treatment with L-AMB and 5-FC following seven months of antiretroviral therapy was successful. Simultaneously, treatment with L-AMB caused severe brain edema likely due to IRS. There were large differences in immune function improvement and liposomalization of the fungicide between the initial and secondary treatments. In conclusion, differences in immune status should be considered when administering L-AMB, in order to prevent IRS-related complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / complications*
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy*
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / immunology
  • Adult
  • Amphotericin B / administration & dosage*
  • Amphotericin B / adverse effects
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome / complications*
  • Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome / etiology
  • Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome / immunology
  • Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Liposomes
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / complications*
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / drug therapy*
  • Meningitis, Cryptococcal / immunology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Liposomes
  • Amphotericin B