Can we decrease amphotericin nephrotoxicity?

S Costa1, M Nucci

  • 1Grupo de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar, Departamento de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo.

Insights

Amphotericin B treats fungal infections but can harm kidneys. Lipid formulations of Amphotericin B significantly reduce this nephrotoxicity, offering a safer treatment option for at-risk patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Nephrology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Amphotericin B (AmB) is a primary antifungal agent for systemic infections.
  • Nephrotoxicity is a significant adverse effect of AmB, linked to dose, diuretics, baseline creatinine, and co-administered drugs.
  • Pathogenesis theories include direct epithelial cell membrane effects and vasoconstriction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review strategies aimed at mitigating AmB-induced nephrotoxicity.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of different AmB administration methods in preventing renal damage.

Main Methods:

  • Review of randomized trials testing various AmB nephrotoxicity reduction strategies.
  • Comparison of conventional AmB with lipid emulsions and lipid formulations.

Main Results:

  • Lipid formulations of Amphotericin B demonstrated a significant reduction in nephrotoxicity compared to conventional AmB.
  • Other strategies like sodium supplementation and dopamine showed varied results.

Conclusions:

  • Lipid formulations represent a safer alternative for Amphotericin B administration, minimizing renal toxicity.
  • High cost of lipid formulations limits their widespread use, reserving them for high-risk individuals.

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