Therapeutic efficacy of Voriconazole on invasive fungal infections in very elderly patients

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Voriconazole on invasive fungal infections in very elderly patients. Methods Clinical data of 24 very elderly patients with invasive fungal infections who had sought treatment at the Department of Geriatrics of our hospital from April 2013 to April 2014 were retrospectively investigated. The classifications and quantities of fungi, accompanying symptoms, adverse reactions, blood tests, and liver and kidney function indicators were recorded and analyzed before and after treatment. Results Each of the 24 cases was found to have been infected with one or more of 17 fungal strains belonging to the genus of Candida. The rate of complete fungal elimination after treatment was 70%(12/17). Of the 24 cases, 5 achieved a full recovery(20.8%), 10(41.7%)had significant improvement, 5(20.8%)had some improvement, and 4 cases(16.7%)showed no therapeutic benefits, with a total effectiveness rate of 62.5%. There was no significant difference in liver and kidney function before and after treatment(P>0.05). A transient increase in serum creatinine occurred in 1 case and defective vision in another patient during Voriconazole treatment. Conclusions The incidence of invasive fungal infections is high in very elderly patients, with Candida as the main pathogen. Voriconazole is effective in treating invasive fungal infections in very elderly patients, and close monitoring of liver and kidney function is required during voriconazole treatment. Key words: Mycoses; Antifungal agents