Abstract
Deep fungal infections are an increasing problem in the treatment of acute leukemias and malignant lymphomas. Risk factors are known but unavoidable. Because of diagnostic difficulties most patients are treated empirically with intravenous amphotericin B. This drug's toxicity increases morbidity and mortality. An orally absorbable triazole derivative, itraconazole, may offer effective and safe prophylaxis against deep candidosis and aspergillosis in these patients. Such infections have been treated successfully with oral itraconazole even when resistant to intravenous amphotericin B. In retrospective comparative studies there are significantly less deep fungal infections in patients given itraconazole. The significance of the difference varies between studies. Pharmacokinetic data confirm therapeutic plasma levels of itraconazole but with wide variation within and between patients. The current large, multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, prospective trial of oral itraconazole versus placebo in the U.K. will test its prophylactic efficacy against deep fungal infections during treatment of haematological malignancies.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
