Voriconazole-induced neuropathy

Firdevs Aksoy1, Elif Akdogan, Kemalettin Aydin

  • 1Department of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey. faslanaksoy@yahoo.com

Chemotherapy
|June 19, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Voriconazole, a key treatment for invasive aspergillosis, may cause neuropathy. Careful patient monitoring is crucial during voriconazole therapy due to potential side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections pose significant risks to immunosuppressed patients.
  • Voriconazole is a primary antifungal agent for invasive aspergillosis.
  • Rare adverse events associated with voriconazole necessitate ongoing research.

Observation:

  • Two patients with invasive aspergillosis developed neuropathy during voriconazole treatment.
  • Clinical and electromyographic evaluations were used to assess neuropathy.
  • No alternative causes for neuropathy were identified in the affected patients.

Findings:

  • Neuropathy was clinically and electromyographically confirmed in patients receiving voriconazole.
  • Discontinuation of voriconazole led to improvement in neuropathic symptoms.
  • A strong association between voriconazole use and neuropathy was suggested.

Implications:

  • Voriconazole-induced neuropathy is a potential, albeit rare, side effect.
  • Clinicians should consider neuropathy in patients on voriconazole therapy.
  • Vigilant monitoring for voriconazole side effects is essential for patient safety.

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