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Published on: March 14, 2014
Treatment of coccidioidal meningitis with fluconazole
R M Tucker1, J N Galgiani, D W Denning
1Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California 95128.
Abstract:
Fluconazole was administered at doses of 50-400 mg/d to 18 patients (15 men, three women) with coccidioidal meningitis. After a mean duration of treatment of 9.8 months, 10 (67%) of 15 assessable patients had responded, one (7%) of 15 had partially responded, and four (27%) of 15 had not responded to therapy. Five (63%) of eight assessable patients receiving fluconazole as sole therapy responded or partially responded. Two patients discontinued fluconazole after initially responding to therapy, and both experienced relapse. The toxicity of fluconazole remains minimal at doses to 400 mg/d. The penetration of fluconazole into cerebrospinal fluid is substantial at all doses studied. Thus fluconazole continues to show promise even as sole therapy against coccidioidal meningitis. Not all patients respond, however, and relapse may be a problem with the currently studied doses and durations of therapy.
Insights
Fluconazole shows promise for treating coccidioidal meningitis, with significant patient response rates. However, relapse can occur, indicating potential limitations with current fluconazole therapy durations and dosages.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Coccidioidal meningitis is a serious fungal infection requiring effective treatment.
- Antifungal therapy is crucial for managing this invasive condition.
Observation:
- Fluconazole was administered to 18 patients with coccidioidal meningitis at daily doses ranging from 50-400 mg.
- Treatment duration averaged 9.8 months, with cerebrospinal fluid penetration assessed.
Findings:
- 67% of assessable patients responded, and 7% showed partial response to fluconazole.
- 5 of 8 patients receiving fluconazole as monotherapy responded or partially responded.
- Toxicity was minimal, and cerebrospinal fluid penetration was substantial across all doses.
Implications:
- Fluconazole demonstrates potential as a sole therapy for coccidioidal meningitis.
- Relapse is a concern, suggesting a need for optimized dosing and treatment duration.
- Further research is warranted to refine fluconazole treatment protocols for coccidioidal meningitis.
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