Caspofungin in the treatment of fungous infection after liver transplantation

Abstract

Objective To evaluate Caspofungin for the treatment of fungous infection liver transplant patients. Methods From 2003 to 2008 clinical data of 27 cases of liver transplant patients with fungal infections were reviewed retrospectively. Before 2005 (control group) fungal infections were treated with amphotericin B or Fluconazole in 13 cases. After 2005, the infection was treated with Caspofungin (observation group) in 14 cases. Liver function (AST, ALT, TBIL) and renal function (BUN, Scr) were evaluated at one and two weeks respectively. Result of treatment was evaluated 7 ～ 14 d after the treatment as for the clinical cure rate, with or without acute rejection. Result The liver function of the observation group compared with that of the control group at one week was as AST(t =8. 03 ,P <0. 01), ALT(t =9. 09, P<0.01), TBIL(t =6.01,P<0.01), and at 2 week as AST(t=5.59,P<0.01), ALT(t =6.60,P< 0. 01), TBIL(t = 8.45,P <0. 01). The renal function of the observation group compared with that of the control group after one week as for BUN(t =6. 51 ,P <0. 01), Scr(t =5.66,P <0. 01). At 2 week,as BUN (t =7.61,P <0.01), Scr(t =6.91,P <0.01). The clinical cure rate of the control group was 7/13 (53%), that of the observation group was 12/14(86%) ; Two cases in the observation group and one in the control group had acute rejection which was successfully managed by methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Conclusion Caspofungin is an ideal alternative therapy for fungal infection after fiver transplantation. Key words: Liver transplantation; Infection; Fungi; Caspofungin