Inhaled amphotericin B for prophylaxis against invasive Aspergillus infections

To evaluate the available literature describing the use of inhaled amphotericin B for prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus spp. infections.

A MEDLINE search was conducted (1966-July 2006) using the key terms amphotericin B, inhaled amphotericin B, Aspergillus spp., invasive aspergillosis, solid-organ transplant, neutropenia, and inhalation. Review of the reference lists of the identified articles was also performed.

Study selection included published trials, case reports, and case series of humans with hematologic disease and solid-organ transplant who used inhaled amphotericin B in the prevention of invasive Aspergillus infections.

Inhaled amphotericin B has been evaluated for the prevention of invasive aspergillosis (IA) infections in neutropenic patients and certain solid-organ transplant recipients. Use of inhaled amphotericin B seems to reduce the incidence of IA in these patients; however, some of the clinical evidence was limited by factors such as small sample sizes, lack of statistical analyses, and lack of power to detect a difference between prophylaxis and control groups. Although the clinical evidence supporting the use of inhaled amphotericin B has some limitations, its use still may be beneficial for the prophylaxis of invasive Aspergillus infections, especially in solid-organ transplant recipients where the evidence is strongest.

Invasive Aspergillus infections are becoming more prevalent in high-risk populations (eg, patients with malignancies, following bone marrow transplantation, or following solid-organ transplantation). The mortality rates associated with IA are great in these populations, making prophylaxis an important consideration. Inhaled amphotericin B has recently come into vogue as an option for prophylaxis against IA. Some of the data available supports the use of inhaled amphotericin B for the prevention of IA while providing evidence of fewer drug interactions and toxicities associated with other antifungal agents.