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Penetration of amphotericin B lipid formulations into pleural effusion

Stefan Weiler1, Rosa Bellmann-Weiler, Michael Joannidis

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical School, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|September 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Amphotericin B lipid formulations effectively penetrate pleural effusions in critically ill patients. Drug concentrations in effusions ranged from 0.02 to 0.43 microg/ml, showing significant penetration.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Pleural effusions are common in critically ill patients.
  • Fungal infections require effective antifungal therapy.
  • Amphotericin B is a key antifungal agent, but its penetration into specific body fluids can be variable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the penetration of amphotericin B (AMB) lipid formulations into pleural effusions.
  • To quantify AMB concentrations and penetration ratios in pleural fluid from critically ill patients.

Main Methods:

  • Seven critically ill patients with pleural effusions were included.
  • Patients received various amphotericin B lipid formulations.
  • Pleural effusion samples were analyzed for AMB concentrations.

Main Results:

  • Amphotericin B was detected in all pleural effusion samples.
  • Concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.43 microg/ml.
  • The penetration ratio varied between 3% and 44%.

Conclusions:

  • Lipid formulations of amphotericin B demonstrate penetration into pleural effusions.
  • These findings support the potential utility of AMB lipid formulations for treating fungal infections involving the pleural space.

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