Premium
High‐dose posaconazole for azole‐resistant aspergillosis and other difficult‐to‐treat mould infections
Author(s) -
Schauwvlieghe Alexander F. A. D.,
Buil Jochem B.,
Verweij Paul E.,
Hoek Rogier A. S.,
Cornelissen Jan J.,
Blijlevens Nicole M .A.,
Henriet Stefanie S. V.,
Rijnders Bart J. A.,
Brüggemann Roger J. M.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
mycoses
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.13
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1439-0507
pISSN - 0933-7407
DOI - 10.1111/myc.13028
Subject(s) - posaconazole , voriconazole , azole , aspergillosis , medicine , adverse effect , itraconazole , aspergillus fumigatus , amphotericin b , population , surgery , dermatology , immunology , antifungal , environmental health
Summary Background Oral follow‐up therapy is problematic in moulds with reduced azole‐susceptibility, such as azole‐resistant Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Currently, only intravenous liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AmB) is advocated by guidelines for the treatment of azole‐resistant aspergillosis infections. Preclinical research indicates that high‐dose posaconazole (HD‐POS) might be a feasible option provided that high drug exposure (ie POS serum through levels >3 mg/L) can be achieved and is safe. Objectives To describe our experience with the use of oral HD‐POS as treatment strategies for patients infected with pathogens with a POS MIC close to the clinical breakpoint. Patients/Methods We review evidence supporting the use of HD‐POS and describe our experience on safety and efficacy in 16 patients. In addition, we describe the adverse events (AE) observed in 25 patients with POS concentrations at the higher end of the population distribution during treatment with the licensed dose. Results Sixteen patients were treated intentionally with HD‐POS for voriconazole‐resistant invasive aspergillosis (7/16), mucormycosis (4/16), salvage therapy for IA (4/16) and IA at a sanctuary site (spondylodiscitis) in 1. Grade 3‐4 AEs were observed in 6, and all of them were considered at least possibly related. Grade 3‐4 AEs were observed in 5 of the 25 patients with spontaneous high POS serum through levels considered at least possibly related using Naranjo scale. Conclusions High‐dose posaconazole is a treatment option if strict monitoring for both exposure and for AE is possible.