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Deferasirox as adjunctive therapy for mucormycosis
1Department of Haematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. p.donnelly@usa.net
The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|December 22, 2011
Summary
Deferasirox combined with AmBisome did not improve outcomes for mucormycosis patients. This study found higher mortality in patients receiving deferasirox, suggesting it is not a suitable adjunctive therapy for this fungal infection.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection with limited treatment options.
- Iron chelation has been suggested as a potential adjunctive therapy for mucormycosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of deferasirox combined with liposomal amphotericin B for mucormycosis treatment.
- To determine if deferasirox is a viable adjunctive therapy for invasive fungal infections.
Main Methods:
- A clinical trial involving patients with mucormycosis treated with deferasirox and liposomal amphotericin B.
- Assessment of patient mortality at 90 days post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Patients receiving deferasirox exhibited a higher mortality rate at 90 days.
- The combination therapy did not demonstrate improved outcomes compared to standard treatment.
Conclusions:
- The data do not support the use of initial, adjunctive deferasirox therapy for mucormycosis.
- Further investigation is needed to determine the future role of iron chelation in mucormycosis treatment.
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