title: Dexamethasone in Cryptococcus gattii central nervous system infection.
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.
authors: Divisions of Infectious Diseases, St. Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard St., Rm. 667, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada. pphillips@cfenet.ubc.ca
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Phillips
authors: Kristine
authors: K
authors: Chapman
authors: Madeleine
authors: M
authors: Sharp
authors: Phil
authors: P
authors: Harrison
authors: Jerry
authors: J
authors: Vortel
authors: Theodore
authors: T
authors: Steiner
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Bowie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002494:Central Nervous System Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology*; D003453:Cryptococcosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003454:Cryptococcus / Q000187:drug effects*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003907:Dexamethasone