We are the parents of a twenty month old Baby Boy with a life threatening
disease. If you can provide any suggestions for helping our little Boy,
we would be most grateful.
Infection: Aspergillus Nidulans in the Central Nervous System. The
fungus surrounds the base of the brain and is present in other locations on
the covering of the meninges. This was diagnosed following a biopsy taken
from his lumbar region. Biopsy was taken September 13, 1996.
Cause of Infection: Unknown
Patient's Present Condition: No neurological deficits.
Course of Treatment:
Begain treatment in September on Amphotericin B and 5FC given by IV.
Treatment was determined to unsuccessful. After one month the MRI showed
disease had progressed.
The next treatment was Amphotericin Liposomal given by IV and Oral
Itraconzaole. An MRI taken one month after this treatment was started
appeared to show a slight reduction in the size of the fungal growths,
however a followup MRI taken thirty days later showed the fungus was once
again growing. At this point the decision was made to put in a reservoir
to administer the Ampho B directly into his CSF. On January 9, 1997 a
second biopsy was taken from his spine. The biopsy confirmed the fungus
was Aspergillus, but the cultures would not grow so it could not be
confirmed the fungus was Nidulans.
An MRI taken February 3, 1997 has shown that the fungus increased in size
considerably even with this treatment and there were new lesions. After
this MRI the medication was switched to Itraconazole only.
On March 3 an MRI was taken showing the progression of the disease was
virtually stopped. Since that time Itraconazole doses have been doubled
in hope this will reduce the fungal lesions.
He is also being given Gamma Interferon sub-cutaneously to boost immune
function although no immune deficiency has ever been detected. He had a
negative result when tested for CGD.
An MRI taken on April 2 showed no new lesions and the growth of the fungus
had stopped.