Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis: Examining Old, New, and Promising Drug Therapies

Abstract

Despite the availability of effective antifungal therapy, cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) remains associated with elevated mortality. The spectrum of symptoms associated with the central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcosis is directly caused by the high fungal burden in the subarachnoid space and the peri-endothelial space of the CNS vasculature, which results in intracranial hypertension (ICH). Management of intracranial pressure (ICP) through aggressive drainage of cerebrospinal fluid by lumbar puncture is associated with increased survival. Unfortunately, these procedures are invasive and require specialized skills and supplies that are not readily available in resource-limited settings that carry the highest burden of CM. The institution of pharmacologic therapies to reduce the production or increase the resorption of cerebrospinal fluid would likely improve clinical outcomes associated with ICH in patients with CM. Here, we discuss the potential role of multiple pharmacologic drug classes such as diuretics, corticosteroids, and antiepileptic agents used to decrease ICP in various neurological conditions as potential future therapies for CM.