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[Safety of liposomal amphotericin B in patients with high risk of nephrotoxicity]

E González1, M A Rada, C Lumbreras

  • 1Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid.

Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica
|August 10, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Liposomal amphotericin B is a safe alternative for treating fungal infections in patients with kidney problems. This formulation did not worsen kidney function and even showed recovery in some patients previously treated with conventional amphotericin B.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Mycology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Amphotericin B is a primary antifungal agent but causes nephrotoxicity.
  • Lipid formulations of amphotericin B reduce this risk.
  • Efficacy in patients with pre-existing or high-risk kidney failure is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety of liposomal amphotericin B in patients with renal failure or at risk of nephrotoxicity.
  • To assess kidney function changes in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of clinical data from January 1991 to January 1997.
  • Inclusion of patients with previous renal failure or high risk of nephrotoxicity treated with liposomal amphotericin B.
  • Analysis of epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data.

Main Results:

  • No kidney function deterioration observed with liposomal amphotericin B in 23 immunocompromised patients.
  • Twelve patients had prior kidney failure with conventional amphotericin B.
  • Five of these patients showed kidney function recovery after switching to liposomal amphotericin B.

Conclusions:

  • Liposomal amphotericin B appears safe for immunocompromised patients with fungal infections and kidney failure or at high risk.
  • It may allow for kidney function recovery in patients previously experiencing nephrotoxicity.

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