Invasive mold infections in the pediatric setting: current status and new developments

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Mycology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Invasive mold infections (IMIs) are a significant cause of illness and death in immunocompromised children.
• Diagnosis and management of pediatric IMIs are challenging due to limited clinical trial data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of IMIs in pediatric patients.
• To evaluate the role of isavuconazole, a newer triazole antifungal, in treating pediatric IMIs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pediatric IMI epidemiology, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
• Evaluation of isavuconazole's pharmacology, tolerability, and safety in pediatric patients.
• Analysis of current and emerging treatment strategies for pediatric IMIs.

Main Results:

• Current treatments include voriconazole, posaconazole, and liposomal amphotericin B.
• Isavuconazole is approved and shows promise, with established safety and tolerability.
• Management principles emphasize prompt treatment, diagnostics, source control, and supportive care.

Conclusions:

• Isavuconazole is a valuable addition to the antifungal arsenal for pediatric IMIs.
• Further large-cohort studies are necessary to define isavuconazole's comparative efficacy.
• Novel antifungal agents are under development for rare mold infections.