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Hepatitis associated with micafungin use in a preterm infant

K Y King1, M S Edwards, B M Word

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. kyk@bcm.edu

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|March 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Micafungin, an antifungal, may cause liver injury in infants. This case report highlights potential hepatitis and cholestasis, advising caution in young patients receiving this medication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Micafungin is an echinocandin antifungal used for invasive fungal infections.
  • Established dosing regimens for micafungin in infants are lacking.
  • Protracted candidemia is a serious fungal infection in neonates and infants.

Observation:

  • A premature infant received micafungin for candidemia.
  • The infant developed hepatitis and cholestasis during treatment.
  • These liver abnormalities occurred despite appropriate antifungal therapy.

Findings:

  • Micafungin therapy was associated with the development of hepatitis and cholestasis in a premature infant.
  • The exact mechanism of micafungin-induced liver injury in neonates is not fully understood.
  • This adverse event suggests a potential risk of hepatotoxicity in young patients.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should monitor liver function closely in infants receiving micafungin.
  • Awareness of potential hepatotoxicity is crucial for safe pediatric use of micafungin.
  • Further studies are needed to establish safe and effective micafungin dosing in infants.

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