Cysticercosis of the Central Nervous System in Pregnancy
Neurocysticercosis presenting in a pregnant patient poses a distinct clinical challenge: the management approach must balance effective control of the CNS infection against fetal safety, requiring specific adaptations to standard care.
Clinical Scenario
This protocol applies to pregnant patients with confirmed neurocysticercosis (cysticercosis of the central nervous system). Pregnancy fundamentally alters the risk-benefit calculus for antiparasitic therapy and several adjunctive agents used in standard neurocysticercosis management.
Management Approach (partial overview)
The approach prioritizes symptomatic management throughout pregnancy, with the timing of antiparasitic therapy and the selection of adjunctive medications carefully adapted to the pregnancy context — specific agents and sequencing are detailed in the full protocol.
Full regimen, agent selection, and clinical decision points available below.
References
DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix1084
- We suggest that antihelminthic therapy be deferred until after pregnancy (weak, low).
- Pregnant patients with elevated intracranial pressure need to be aggressively managed as they would be if not pregnant.
- Corticosteroids can be used in pregnancy when necessary.
- Phenobarbital and valproic acid are known to have high rates of teratogenicity.
- Methotrexate is teratogenic and should be avoided.
View source ↗