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Aerosolized amphotericin for the treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Don Hayes1, Brian S Murphy, James E Lynch

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, C424 University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, KY, USA. don.hayes@uky.edu

Pediatric Pulmonology
|July 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Aerosolized amphotericin B successfully treated allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient, reducing hospitalizations and allowing cessation of other therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Mycology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus, common in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.
  • ABPA leads to bronchial obstruction, inflammation, mucoid impaction, bronchiectasis, fibrosis, and respiratory failure.
  • Current treatments involve corticosteroids and intraconazole, aiming to reduce inflammation and fungal load.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old cystic fibrosis patient with ABPA, awaiting lung transplant, was treated with aerosolized amphotericin B.
  • This novel approach was administered as a potential alternative or adjunct therapy.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced a successful treatment outcome with aerosolized amphotericin B.
  • Hospitalizations were significantly reduced during the treatment period.
  • The patient was eventually able to discontinue both oral corticosteroids and systemic anti-fungal medications.

Implications:

  • Aerosolized amphotericin B presents a promising therapeutic option for ABPA in cystic fibrosis patients.
  • This approach may reduce the need for systemic corticosteroids and other anti-fungal agents.
  • Further research into aerosolized amphotericin B for ABPA management is warranted.

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