[Must we be really concerned about amphotericin B toxicity in oncology patients?]

Amphotericin B treatment in oncological patients is irrepaceable due to the high frequency of mycotic infections. From data in the literature ensues that the most serious undesirable effect of amphotericin B is nephrotoxicity, manifested by a reduced glomerular filtration and impaired tubular function (in particular the development of hypokalemia, and hypomagnesaemia). Prophylaxis of nephrotoxicity is despite major efforts unsatisfactory. In the submitted work the authors tested in a major group of patients their working hypothesis based on previous observations, that prophylactic replacement of the increasing ion losses in urine during amphotericin B treatment without waiting for a decline of serum concentrations of these ions, along with adequate hydration delays or eliminates the decline of glomerular functions.

During amphotericin B therapy of 25 oncological patients renal functions, Na, K and Mg urinary excretion and the serum concentrations of these ions were followed up in detail. The urinary losses were replaced. No overall prophylaxis to prevent acute toxic reactions associated with administration of the drug was used. The mean dose of amphotericin B was 0.82 mg/kg, the mean diuresis 3662 ml/24 hours. Acute toxic reactions calling for hydrocortisone administration were observed only in 6% of the patients. During treatment the urinary K and Mg losses increased significantly and had to one replaced. There was also a significant increase of the excretory fractions of K and Na. However there were no significant changes of serum ions nor a rise of creatinine. The creatinine clearance even increased slightly though insignificantly (1.384 ml/s as compared with 1.392 ml/s).

Consequential hydration of patients and prophylactic replacement of urinary ion losses during amphotericin B therapy are effective in preventing ion disbalances and a decline of glomerular functions. Acute toxic reactions associated with administration of amphotericin B are infrequent.