title: Successful treatment of Cryptococcus neoformans immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in an immunocompetent host using thalidomide.
abstract: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) can complicate antifungal treatment of cryptococcosis. There are limited data on managing cryptococcal-associated IRIS. We describe an immunocompetent patient who developed IRIS complicating Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis, successfully treated with thalidomide following failure of corticosteroid therapy. Data on thalidomide use in cryptococcal IRIS are awaited.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Level 3 Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia.
authors.forename: Lucy K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Somerville
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.affiliation: Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Level 3 Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Sharon C A
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Level 3 Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Research Excellence in Critical Infections, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Jen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kok
keywords: Cryptococcus neoformans; Immune reconstitution; Thalidomide