Adrenal Corticosteroids and Increased Intracranial Pressure in Nonimmunocompromised Patients With Cryptococcal Meningitis

Elevated opening pressures on lumbar puncture were followed in 7 nonimmunocompromised patients being treated for a postinfectious 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, 5 of 7 patients later required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for pressure control.