A Case of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with cryptococcal meningitis which was successfully cured by the administration of massive dose of amphotericin B

Abstract

A case of SLE with moderately deteriorated renal function due to lupus nephritis developed cryptococcal meningitis. Long term administration of amphotericin B (cumulative dose 5g) combined with 5-flucytosine eradicated this fungal infection. Throughout amphotericin B administration urinary excretions of Na and K, as well as plasma HCO₃ concentration were monitored, and, Na, K and HCO₃ were supplemented orally and intravenously so much as to replace their urinary losses. Neither prominent water-electrolyte disturbace nor severe azotemia, which are the most serious side effects of amphotericin B, did not ensue. This case study indicates that sufficient water-electrolytes supplementation is im-portant to prevent the nephrotoxicity of amphotericin B.