Early Experiences with Intrathecal Administration of Amphotericin B Liposomal Formulation at a Neurosurgical Center

Intrathecal administration of amphotericin B represents an important adjunctive therapy for management of severe fungal meningitis. Intrathecal preparations have traditionally used amphotericin B deoxycholate. Liposomal amphotericin B is an alternative formulation with good clinical outcomes as systemic therapy, but scant data exist investigating intrathecal use.

The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate outcomes following intrathecal administration of liposomal amphotericin B for treatment of severe fungal meningitis.

A national shortage of amphotericin B deoxycholate necessitated revision of institutional protocols at a southwestern neurosurgical center in Spring 2023. A starting intrathecal daily dose of 0.125–0.5 mg liposomal amphotericin B was recommended (dependent on insertion device), with 0.125–0.25 mg slow titration every 48 h and up to a 2 mg maximum daily dose.

Four cases of fungal meningitis treated with adjunctive intrathecal amphotericin B liposomal formulation were reviewed. This included three cases of coccidioidal meningitis and one case of presumed Fusarium solani meningitis following an outbreak. All patients had initial disease improvement following initiation of intrathecal amphotericin B and were able to tolerate long-term therapy. One coccidioidal meningitis patient expired of neurologic complications shortly after being moved from the intensive care unit (ICU) to a floor unit. All other patients were successfully discharged from the hospital. New headache was the only reported adverse effect, which was managed with dose reduction and did not require therapy discontinuation.

Liposomal amphotericin B may be feasibly administered intrathecally for the adjunctive treatment of severe fungal meningitis.