Adrenal corticosteroids and increased intracranial pressure in nonimmunocompromised patients with cryptococcal meningitis.

Abstract

Elevated opening pressures on lumbar puncture were followed in seven nonimmunocompromised patients being treated for a post-inflammatory response syndrome that had begun following antifungal treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. During the initial period of high dose corticosteroid therapy, opening pressures on lumbar puncture fell an average of 14 cm. Despite this, five of seven later required a ventriculoperitonal shunt for pressure control.