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Fungal chemoprophylaxis with fluconazole in preterm infants

José Manuel Martínez Sesmero1, Francisco José Farfán Sedano, Teresa Molina García

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, Getafe University Hospital Ctra., de Toledo km 12,500, 28905, Getafe, Madrid, Spain. mano24@ono.com

Pharmacy World & Science : PWS
|December 13, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Fluconazole chemoprophylaxis is safe and well-tolerated in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. This antifungal treatment effectively prevented fungal infections in VLBW infants, suggesting potential to reduce mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are highly susceptible to fungal infections.
  • Establishing effective antifungal chemoprophylaxis is crucial for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a fungal chemoprophylaxis protocol for VLBW infants.
  • To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of fluconazole in VLBW infants.

Main Methods:

  • A protocol was developed based on MEDLINE literature search (1994-2001).
  • Inclusion criteria: gestational age <28 weeks and birth weight <1500 g.
  • Fluconazole administered intravenously; pharmacotherapeutic follow-up for 1 year.

Main Results:

  • Sixteen VLBW infants were enrolled; two deaths unrelated to study drugs.
  • No significant drug interactions or fluconazole side effects were reported.
  • No fungal infections occurred in infants completing chemoprophylaxis.

Conclusions:

  • Fluconazole demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability in VLBW infants.
  • The absence of fungal infections suggests fluconazole's potential to reduce VLBW morbidity and mortality.
Abstract

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