Document Type

Article

Original Publication Date

1979

Journal/Book/Conference Title

The New England Journal of Medicine

Volume

301

Issue

3

First Page

126

Last Page

131

DOI of Original Publication

10.1056/NEJM197907193010303

Comments

Originally published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJM197907193010303

Date of Submission

January 2015

Abstract

Abstract

We compared amphotericin B therapy for cryptococcal meningitis with a newer regimen containing both amphotericin B and flucytosine. In 50 patients with 51 courses of therapy adherent to the protocol, 27 courses were with amphotericin B and 24 with the combination. Even though the combination regimen was given for only six weeks and amphotericin B for 10 weeks, the combination cured or improved more patients (16 vs. 11), produced fewer failures or relapses (three vs. 11), more rapid sterilization of the cerebrospinal fluid (P<0.001) and less nephrotoxicity (P<0.05) than did amphotericin B alone. The number of deaths was the same (five) with each regimen. Adverse reactions to flucytosine occurred in 11 of 34 patients but were not life threatening. We conclude that combined flucytosine-amphoericin B therapy is the regimen of choice in cryptococcal meningitis. (N Engl J Med 301:126–131, 1979)

Rights

From The New England Journal of Medicine, Bennett, J.E., Dismukes, W.E., Duma, R.J., et al., A Comparison of Amphotericin B Alone and Combined with Flucytosine in the Treatment of Cryptoccal Meningitis, Vol. 301, Page 126, Copyright © 1979 Massachusetts Medical Society. Reprinted with permission.

Is Part Of

VCU Internal Medicine Publications

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