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Liposomal amphotericin B in critically ill paediatric patients
G Sideri1, M E Falagas, M Grigoriou
1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, P. & A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
|July 23, 2011
Summary
Liposomal amphotericin B shows promise for treating fungal infections in critically ill children. This study found it effective in a small case series, with manageable side effects in vulnerable pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Limited data exists on liposomal amphotericin B for critically ill pediatric patients beyond infancy.
- Fungal infections pose a significant threat to immunocompromised and critically ill children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the use and outcomes of liposomal amphotericin B in critically ill pediatric patients.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of liposomal amphotericin B in a tertiary care setting.
Main Methods:
- Prospective identification of pediatric patients receiving liposomal amphotericin B in the ICU over 3 years.
- Data collection through medical record evaluation.
Main Results:
- Twenty-three critically ill children (mean age 26.4 months) received liposomal amphotericin B.
- Treatment was for confirmed fungal infections (16/23) or pre-emptive (7/23).
- High rates of cure or improvement were observed (11/16 cured, 5/16 improved for infections; 6/7 improved for pre-emptive use).
Conclusions:
- Liposomal amphotericin B appears effective for fungal infections in critically ill pediatric patients.
- Adverse events like hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were observed but manageable.
- Further research is warranted for this vulnerable population.
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