Related Experiment Videos
The physiologic effects of inhaled amphotericin B
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, NJ, USA.
Chest
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Inhaled amphotericin B is an acceptable prophylactic for immunocompromised patients, with most tolerating it well. Some patients experienced nausea, vomiting, or bronchospasm, particularly asthmatics.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fungal infections pose a significant risk to severely immunocompromised patients.
- Prophylactic measures are crucial in preventing invasive fungal diseases in high-risk populations.
- Inhaled antifungal agents offer a potential route for targeted prophylaxis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the physiologic effects of inhaled amphotericin B.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of inhaled amphotericin B as prophylaxis.
- To identify patient-specific factors influencing the response to inhaled amphotericin B.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Inclusion of 18 severely immunocompromised patients.
- Monitoring of oxygen saturation, peak flow, and patient-reported symptoms.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two percent of patients discontinued treatment due to nausea and vomiting.
- Clinically significant bronchospasm (≥20% peak flow drop) occurred in 9 instances.
- Asthmatic patients were significantly more likely to experience bronchospasm (p = 0.03).
Conclusions:
- The physiologic profile of inhaled amphotericin B is generally acceptable for prophylaxis.
- Careful monitoring for bronchospasm is warranted, especially in asthmatic patients.
- Nausea and vomiting are potential reasons for treatment discontinuation.