Itraconazole in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis.

The results of an open study of the efficacy of oral itraconazole therapy in 8 patients with cryptococcal meningitis are reported. Therapy is monitored by clinical response with culture, indian ink stain and cryptococcal antigen testing of CSF. Four (50%) of eight patients were cured, two (25%) had partial response, and two (25%) failed. One patient had a relapse but responded to retreatment. No toxicity was observed. Itraconazole is, therefore, suggested as a new treatment for cryptococcal meningitis.