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The use of antifungal therapy in neonatal intensive care

Daniela Testoni1, P Brian Smith, Daniel K Benjamin

  • 1Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 2400 Pratt Street, Durham, NC 27705, USA.

Clinics in Perinatology
|February 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Invasive fungal infections are a major threat to preterm infants, especially with central nervous system involvement. More research is needed to ensure safe and effective antifungal treatments for neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) cause significant mortality and morbidity in preterm infants.
  • Neonatal candidiasis, particularly central nervous system involvement, presents unique challenges compared to other populations.
  • Limited availability of approved antifungal agents for newborns hinders effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and summarize findings from recent antifungal studies.
  • To emphasize studies that specifically included infant populations.
  • To assess the current landscape of antifungal drug development for neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of completed antifungal studies.
  • Focus on studies involving preterm infants and neonatal populations.
  • Analysis of drug development pipelines and labeling for neonatal use.

Main Results:

  • Several antifungal agents are in development, but few are approved for neonatal use.
  • Existing studies provide preliminary data on efficacy and safety in infants.
  • Significant gaps remain in the evidence base for neonatal antifungal therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Current antifungal options for preterm infants are limited.
  • Further clinical trials are essential to establish safety and efficacy profiles.
  • Development of specifically labeled neonatal antifungal drugs is a critical unmet need.

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