Use of newer antifungal therapies in clinical practice: what do the data tell us?

Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)

Considering the significant morbidity and mortality associated with invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients, it is particularly important to make the diagnosis as early as possible and to make best use of the available antifungal drugs for prophylaxis and treatment. The newer antifungal drugs include the lipid products of amphotericin B, such as amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) and liposomal amphotericin B; voriconazole (a triazole); and caspofungin (an echinocandin). ABLC and liposomal amphotericin B are as effective as amphotericin B deoxycholate but are less nephrotoxic; ABLC is probably the drug of choice for zygomycosis. Voriconazole is approved for use in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and may have a role in preventing breakthrough fungal infections in patients with persistent fever and neutropenia. Caspofungin is effective against both invasive aspergillosis and invasive candidiasis.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Perfect, JR

Published Date

  • November 2004

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 18 / 13 Suppl 7

Start / End Page

  • 15 - 23

PubMed ID

  • 15651178

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0890-9091

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States