A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of acetazolamide for the treatment of elevated intracranial pressure in cryptococcal meningitis.
Newton PN., Thai LH., Tip NQ., Short JM., Chierakul W., Rajanuwong A., Pitisuttithum P., Chasombat S., Phonrat B., Maek-A-Nantawat W., Teaunadi R., Lalloo DG., White NJ.
We conducted a trial of oral acetazolamide for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in 22 Thai adults with headache and an opening cerebrospinal fluid pressure of >/=200 mm H(2)0. The trial was terminated prematurely because patients who received acetazolamide developed significantly lower venous bicarbonate levels and higher chloride levels and had more-frequent serious adverse events than did subjects who received placebo.