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A Systematic Review to Assess the Relationship between Disseminated Cerebral Aspergillosis, Leukemias and Lymphomas, and Their Respective Therapeutics. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070722. [PMID: 35887477 PMCID: PMC9320744 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Disseminated disease following invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) remains a significant contributor to mortality amongst patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs). At the highest risk of mortality are those with disseminated disease to the central nervous system, known as cerebral aspergillosis (CA). However, little is known about the risk factors contributing to disease amongst HM patients. A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was undertaken to define HM patient subgroups, preventative measures, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes of patients with disseminated CA following IPA. The review resulted in the identification of 761 records, of which 596 articles were screened, with the final inclusion of 47 studies and 76 total patients. From included articles, the proportion of CA was assessed amongst HM patient subgroups. Further, pre-and post-infection characteristics, fungal species, and mortality were evaluated for the total population included and HM patient subgroups. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoid lymphoma, patients receiving corticosteroids as a part of their HM therapeutic regimen, and anti-fungal prophylaxis constitute the top identified patient populations at risk for disseminated CA. Overall, information presented here indicates that measures for the prevention of IPA should be taken in higher-risk HM patient subgroups. Specifically, the type of anti-fungal therapy used should be carefully considered for those patients with IPA and increased risk for cerebral dissemination. Additional reports detailing patient characteristics are needed to define further the risk of developing disseminated CA from IPA in patients with HMs.
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Shariati A, Didehdar M, Rajaeih S, Moradabadi A, Ghorbani M, Falahati V, Chegini Z. Aspergillosis of central nervous system in patients with leukemia and stem cell transplantation: a systematic review of case reports. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2021; 20:44. [PMID: 34130699 PMCID: PMC8204492 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-021-00452-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aspergillosis of Central Nervous System (CNS) is a highly lethal infection in patients with leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT). Methods Case reports of CNS aspergillosis in patients with leukemia and SCT published between 1990 and August 2020 were gathered using a structured search through PubMed/Medline. Results Sixty-seven cases were identified over the searches of the PubMed bibliographic database and then, 59 cases were included in the final analysis. Europe had the largest share of cases at 57.6% (34 reports), followed by Americas and Asia. Affected patients were predominantly males (58.6%) and the mean age of the patients was 36.1 years, while 62.7% of the patients were under the age of 50 years. The most common leukemia types include Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) at 43.4%, 27.4%, and 23.5%, respectively. Furthermore, stem cell transplantation was reported in 11 cases. The overall mortality was 33%; however, the attributable mortality rate of CNS aspergillosis was 24.5%. Altered mental status, hemiparesis, cranial nerve palsies, and seizures were the clearest manifestations of infection and lung involvement reported in 57% of the patients. Histopathologic examination led to the diagnosis of infection in 57% of the patients followed by culture (23.7%), galactomannan assay (8.5%), and molecular method (3.3%). Amphotericin B and voriconazole were the most frequently used drugs for infection treatment. Good results were not obtained in one-third of the patients treated by voriconazole. Finally, neurosurgical intervention was used for 23 patients (39%). Conclusion CNS aspergillosis is a rapidly progressive infection in leukemic patients. Thus, these patients should be followed up more carefully. Furthermore, management of induction chemotherapy, use of different diagnostic methods, and use of appropriate antifungal can lead to infection control. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12941-021-00452-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Shariati
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Didehdar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Shahin Rajaeih
- ENT and Head and Neck Research Center and Department, The Five Senses Health Institute, Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Moradabadi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghorbani
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery, Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Falahati
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Amirkabir Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Zahra Chegini
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Meena DS, Kumar D, Bohra GK, Kumar G. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment outcome of CNS aspergillosis: A systematic review of 235 cases. Infect Dis Now 2021; 51:654-660. [PMID: 33964485 DOI: 10.1016/j.idnow.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus is a ubiquitous ascomycete that can cause a variety of clinical presentations depending on immune status. Central nervous system aspergillosis is a fatal disease with non-specific clinical features. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and therapeutic interventions in CNS aspergillosis patients. We also aimed to examine the possible predictors of mortality in neuroaspergillosis. Literature search was performed in Medline, PubMed, and Google scholar and all patients≥18 years with proven CNS aspergillosis were included. A total of 175 articles (235 patients) were included in the final analysis. Their mean age was 51 years and the majority were male (57.4%). Overall case-fatality was 45.1%. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common species (70.8%) followed by A. flavus (18.6%). Corticosteroids (22.6%), malignancy (19.1%) and diabetes mellitus (14%) were the most common risk factors. Neuroimaging findings included cerebral abscess (70.2%), meningitis (14%), infarction (13.2%) and mycotic aneurysm (8.9%). Disseminated disease (29.2% vs 17.8%, p 0.03), CSF hypoglycorrhachia (48.1% vs 22.2%, P: 0.001) and heightened CSF galactomannan (3.62 vs 2.0ng/ml, p 0.05), were the factors associated with poor outcome in neuroaspergillosis. Persons infected with Aspergillus flavus (13.1% vs 3.1%, P: 0.01), and having been treated with Voriconazole (51.9% vs 29.2%, P: 0.004) were more likely to survive. Our review will provide insight into the different spectrums of CNS aspergillosis. Notwithstanding the promising role of Voriconazole, future work is required to ascertain the role of combination antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga Shankar Meena
- Department of Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 342005 Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 342005 Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Gopal Krishana Bohra
- Department of Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 342005 Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- Department of Radiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Abstract
Neuroinfectious diseases can affect immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals and cause a variety of emergencies including meningitis, encephalitis, and abscess. Neurologic infections are frequently complicated by secondary injuries that also present emergently such as cerebrovascular disease, acute obstructive hydrocephalus, and seizure. In most cases, timely recognition and early treatment of infection can improve the morbidity and mortality of infectious neurologic emergencies.
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Pajer HB, Asher AM, Gelinne A, Northam W, van Duin D, Quinsey CS. Impact of Surgical and Medical Treatment on Survival of Patients with Cerebral Aspergillosis: Systematic Review of the Literature. World Neurosurg 2021; 149:244-248.e13. [PMID: 33482411 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cerebral aspergillosis carries a high mortality. Rapid diagnosis and treatment can increase survival, but symptoms and imaging findings are nonspecific. The literature on cerebral aspergillosis consists mostly of case reports and case series and lacks large-scale review of data. METHODS We performed a review of the literature using PubMed in March 2019. We recorded the year of publication, age and sex of patients, neurosurgical involvement, the antifungals administered, use of intrathecal antifungals, and the outcome of patients. The relationships among variables were tested using bivariant statics and linear regression. RESULTS A total of 324 studies met the eligibility criteria, and 198 studies including 248 patients were included. Surgical resection (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25-0.80; P < 0.01) and administration of voriconazole (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18-0.55; P < 0.001) or itraconazole (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.72; P < 0.001) were shown to be significantly associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS Given the significant survival benefits for patients who received voriconazole and surgical intervention, we suggest early antifungal medical treatment and resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengameh B Pajer
- Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Buis Creek, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony M Asher
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aaron Gelinne
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Weston Northam
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David van Duin
- Department of Infectious Disease, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carolyn S Quinsey
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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Chasan R, Patel G, Malone A, Finn M, Huprikar S. Primary hepatic aspergillosis following induction chemotherapy for acute leukemia. Transpl Infect Dis 2013; 15:E201-5. [PMID: 24034232 DOI: 10.1111/tid.12127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) contributes significantly to the burden of infectious complications in heavily immunosuppressed patients with acute leukemia. The infection is typically acquired via inhalation into the respiratory tract, and the lungs are most commonly involved. However, disseminated disease may occur and reports of isolated extrapulmonary infection suggest the gastrointestinal tract is likely an additional portal of entry for this organism. We describe a case of primary hepatic aspergillosis in a patient with acute myelogenous leukemia. The patient did not respond to medical therapy with antifungals and ultimately required surgical exploration and drainage. IA should be considered in an immunosuppressed patient with hepatic abscesses and may require a combined surgical and medical approach to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chasan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Schwartz S, Reisman A, Troke PF. The efficacy of voriconazole in the treatment of 192 fungal central nervous system infections: a retrospective analysis. Infection 2011; 39:201-10. [PMID: 21512792 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-011-0108-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Antifungal Activity of Antifungal Drugs, as Well as Drug Combinations Against Exophiala dermatitidis. Mycopathologia 2010; 171:111-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-010-9358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 08/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Gadea I, Mensa J. Potencial de anidulafungina en la terapia combinada. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2008; 26 Suppl 14:51-5. [DOI: 10.1016/s0213-005x(08)76593-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Singh N, Pursell KJ. Combination therapeutic approaches for the management of invasive aspergillosis in organ transplant recipients. Mycoses 2008; 51:99-108. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2007.01479.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
Early diagnosis of CNS aspergillosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion, because there are no typical clinical symptoms or CSF findings. Clinical features are usually dramatic and tend to progress rapidly. Changes in mental status, hemiparesis and seizures are most common, but other nonspecific neurological features may occur and should always be an indication for neuroradiological examination in high-risk patients, in order to allow early initiation of antifungal therapy. Low density lesions with little or no mass effect and minimal or no contrast enhancement on CT scans that are usually more numerous on MRI and show intermediate signal intensity within high-signal areas on T2-weighted images, may suggest CNS aspergillosis. Cerebral lesions in CNS aspergillosis are often located not only in the cerebral hemispheres but also in the basal ganglia, thalami, corpus callosum and perforator artery territories. There is frequently a lack of contrast enhancement or perifocal oedema, due to the immunosuppressed status of the patient. A definite diagnosis requires brain tissue for histopathological analysis. However, neurosurgery is often not feasible, so that any of the neuroradiological findings mentioned above should raise the suspicion of CNS aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients and lead to early initiation of antifungal therapy. In the past, amphotericin B-based therapy was the treatment of choice for CNS aspergillosis, but this treatment produced negligible effects. Recently, voriconazole has been reported to be more effective than amphotericin B in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis. Response rates of about 35% have been achieved with voriconazole in patients with CNS aspergillosis. Combination therapy with antifungal agents, such as voriconazole plus caspofungin or liposomal amphotericin B, is being investigated in vitro and in animal models, and optimistic results have been observed. A combined medical and neurosurgical treatment should be considered in all patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Ruhnke
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
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12
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Gubler C, Wildi SM, Imhof A, Schneemann M, Müllhaupt B. Disseminated Invasive Aspergillosis with Cerebral Involvement Successfully Treated with Caspofungin and Voriconazole. Infection 2007; 35:364-6. [PMID: 17721739 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-007-6165-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2006] [Accepted: 01/08/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We describe a case of cerebral aspergillosis which was successfully treated with a combination of caspofungin and voriconazole. The patient remains in remission 18 months after stopping antifungal treatment. We discuss primary and salvage therapy of invasive aspergillosis with focus on cerebral involvement. Since historical data showed a fatal outcome in most cases, amphotericin B does not cross the blood brain barrier while voriconazole does, we chose a combination of voriconazole plus caspofungin as primary therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Gubler
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Merlin E, Galambrun C, Ribaud P, Blanc T, Michel G, Auvrignon A, Stéphan JL. Efficacy and safety of caspofungin therapy in children with invasive fungal infections. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2006; 25:1186-8. [PMID: 17133169 DOI: 10.1097/01.inf.0000246844.42159.a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Twenty children with proven (n = 12) or probable (n = 8) invasive fungal infections received caspofungin treatment either as first-line (n = 7) or as salvage (n = 13) therapy and as monotherapy (n = 5) or in combination (n = 15). Eleven had aspergillosis, 7 had candidiasis, and 2 had Rhodotorula infections. Caspofungin was well tolerated. Nine patients experienced 11 drug-related adverse events, none were severe, and none led to drug discontinuation. Caspofungin as a first-line treatment was successful in 5 of the 7 children (these 5 patients survived the infectious episode, with a follow-up of 147 days), and salvage therapy rescued 8 of 13 children, but only 5 of them survived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Merlin
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Service de Pédiatrie B et Unité Bioclinique de Thérapie Cellulaire, Hôtel-Dieu, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Pagano L, Caira M, Falcucci P, Fianchi L. Fungal CNS infections in patients with hematologic malignancy. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2006; 3:775-85. [PMID: 16207169 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.3.5.775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Various fungal agents can cause CNS infections. CNS fungal infections may present as a mass (i.e., brain abscess) typically in the course of aspergillosis or zygomycosis, or may primarily involve the meninges (i.e., meningitis), as can be observed in patients with candidiasis or cryptococcosis. Most commonly, fungal brain abscesses are due to aspergillosis. CNS aspergillosis is observed particularly in acute leukemia and allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation patients. Usually, aspergillosis is localized in the lungs and secondarily spreads to the brain; only in few cases does it develop as solitary localization of CNS. In these conditions, diagnosis is very difficult because signs and symptoms can be completely aspecific. Diagnosis can often be performed only through aggressive procedures (i.e., stereotactic puncture). Zygomycetes are the second most frequent cause of brain abscesses. CNS involvement is higher than in the course of invasive aspergillosis, and this fungal complication is also characterized by a high mortality rate. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that only posaconazole and lipid formulations of amphotericin B present some possibility of success in the treatment of zygomycosis, but the pharmacologic approach should always be associated with surgery. Among molds, other agents (i.e., Fusarium and Scedosporium) may also be responsible for fungal abscess. More rarely during the course of a hematologic malignancy, a meningeal candidiasis or cryptococcosis may be observed. This review mainly focuses on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management strategies of all cases of CNS fungal infections in hematologic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Pagano
- Istituto di Ematologia, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito, 1I-00168 Rome, Italy.
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López-Ciudad V, Castro-Orjales MJ, León C, Sanz-Rodríguez C, de la Torre-Fernández MJ, de Juan-Romero MAP, Collell-Llach MD, Díaz-López MD. Successful treatment of Candida parapsilosis mural endocarditis with combined caspofungin and voriconazole. BMC Infect Dis 2006; 6:73. [PMID: 16608509 PMCID: PMC1458348 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-6-73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2005] [Accepted: 04/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal mural endocarditis is a rare entity in which the antemortem diagnosis is seldom made. Seven cases of mural endocarditis caused by Candida spp. have been collected from literature and six of these patients died after treatment with amphotericin B. Case presentation We report a case of mural endocarditis diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiogram and positive blood cultures to Candida parapsilosis. Because blood cultures continued to yield C. parapsilosis despite caspofungin monotherapy, treatment with voriconazole was added. Conclusion This is the first description of successful treatment of C. parapsilosis mural endocarditis with caspofungin and voriconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor López-Ciudad
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Santa María Madre-Complejo Hospitalario de Ourense, Ourense, Spain
| | - María J Castro-Orjales
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Santa María Madre-Complejo Hospitalario de Ourense, Ourense, Spain
| | - Cristóbal León
- Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Service, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Sevilla, Spain
| | - César Sanz-Rodríguez
- Department of Clinical Research, Merck Sharp & Dohme de España, S.A. Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - María D Collell-Llach
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Santa María Madre-Complejo Hospitalario de Ourense, Ourense, Spain
| | - María D Díaz-López
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Santa María Madre-Complejo Hospitalario de Ourense, Ourense, Spain
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Steinbach WJ. Combination antifungal therapy for invasive aspergillosis – Is it indicated? Med Mycol 2006; 44:S373-S382. [DOI: 10.1080/13693780600860953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Mattiuzzi G, Giles FJ. Management of intracranial fungal infections in patients with haematological malignancies. Br J Haematol 2005; 131:287-300. [PMID: 16225648 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2005.05749.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of, and mortality associated with, invasive fungal infections remains far higher than hoped. As a consequence of the overall increase in the incidence of such infections over time, the incidence of central nervous system (CNS) fungal infections is also increasing and, despite improvements in diagnostic techniques and the introduction of novel antifungal agents, therapy for CNS infections is still associated with discouragingly poor results. In patients with haematological malignancies, opportunistic infections with Candida or Aspergillus remain the most common infections affecting the CNS; however, opportunistic infections with less well-known fungi are becoming more common and must be considered in the differential diagnosis. New techniques for the early diagnosis of invasive fungal infections are emerging. Pharmacologic options for treating invasive fungal infections have also improved during the past few years, with new drugs becoming available that have broader antifungal spectra and better safety profiles. Other novel treatment approaches, such as combination therapy, are also being explored. Early investigations have produced encouraging results; however, large, prospective studies involving many patients are necessary to validate the widespread use of these approaches. This review analyses the existing guidelines for treatment of CNS fungal infections and the literature available on the use of new drugs to generate sets of recommendations for treatment of these life-threatening infections in patients with haematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Mattiuzzi
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Koldehoff M, Zakrzewski JL. Modern management of respiratory failure due to pulmonary mycoses following allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Am J Hematol 2005; 79:158-63. [PMID: 15929105 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.20361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary mycoses count among the most dangerous complications in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Despite the establishment of antifungal chemoprophylaxis and empirical antifungal treatment, they frequently lead to respiratory failure and are still associated with an extraordinarily poor prognosis. However, the emergence of new antimycotics with alternative mechanisms of actions and decreased toxicity in combination with the development of new non culture-based diagnostic techniques may allow earlier, more aggressive and more effective antifungal treatment approaches. In addition, the optimized use of new technologies designed to augment spontaneous breathing efforts by patients, mechanical ventilation, as well as the advantages of early tracheostomy lead us to expect better outcomes in the treatment of respiratory failure due to pulmonary mycoses following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Koldehoff
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.
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Dinser R, Grgic A, Kim YJ, Pfreundschuh M, Schubert J. Successful treatment of disseminated aspergillosis with the combination of voriconazole, caspofungin, granulocyte transfusions, and surgery followed by allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation in a patient with primary failure of an autologous stem cell graft. Eur J Haematol 2005; 74:438-41. [PMID: 15813919 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2004.00384.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of disseminated aspergillus infections in neutropenic patients remains a major challenge in spite of several new antifungal drugs. We report the case of a patient with multiple myeloma in prolonged neutropenia after primary failure of an autologous stem cell graft who developed invasive aspergillosis despite voriconazole monotherapy. He responded to a combination of voriconazole and caspofungin, supported by granulocyte transfusions and surgery. A subsequent allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation did not lead to recurring aspergillus infection. The patient is well and free of clinical disease with respect to the fungal infection and myeloma more than 18 months after the allogeneic transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Dinser
- Medizinische Klinik I, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg, Germany
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20
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Cuenca-Estrella M, Gomez-Lopez A, Garcia-Effron G, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Mellado E, Buitrago MJ, Rodriguez-Tudela JL. Combined activity in vitro of caspofungin, amphotericin B, and azole agents against itraconazole-resistant clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2005; 49:1232-5. [PMID: 15728937 PMCID: PMC549263 DOI: 10.1128/aac.49.3.1232-1235.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions in vitro between amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, and caspofungin against itraconazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus clinical strains were determined. Differential results were obtained depending on the criteria (MIC or minimal effective concentration) used. Caspofungin and voriconazole exhibited the most potent interactions, with synergy against at least 50% of isolates, and the average fractional concentration index was 0.38. Antagonism was not found for any combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Cuenca-Estrella
- Servicio de Micología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ctra Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2. 28220 Majadahonda (Madrid), Spain.
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Ehrmann S, Bastides F, Gissot V, Mercier E, Magro P, Bailly E, Legras A. Cerebral aspergillosis in the critically ill: two cases of successful medical treatment. Intensive Care Med 2005; 31:738-42. [PMID: 15782314 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-005-2605-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2004] [Accepted: 03/02/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Invasive aspergillosis is associated with a poor prognosis, especially in critically ill patients with cerebral involvement. We present two cases of cerebral invasive aspergillosis successfully treated in the intensive care unit with combination antifungal therapies and without surgery. CASE PRESENTATION The first patient was a 49-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis who received corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide treatment and developed pulmonary and cerebral invasive aspergillosis. After failure of voriconazole the patient had a successful outcome with voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B therapy. The patient returned home after an 8-month hospital stay. The second patient was a 54-year-old woman with pulmonary neoplasia and corticosteroid treatment who developed pulmonary and cerebral invasive aspergillosis. After failure of voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B therapy the patient had a favorable outcome with liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin therapy. The patient died 10 months after initial diagnosis of cardiac tamponade unrelated to fungal infection. DISCUSSIONS These cases illustrate the improving prognosis of invasive aspergillosis due to the availability of new treatments, especially in cases of cerebral involvement. It also demonstrates that the outcome of critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation for invasive aspergillosis can be favorable. The treatment of patients with invasive cerebral aspergillosis in the intensive care setting should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Ehrmann
- Service de Réanimation Médicale Polyvalente, Hôpital Bretonneau, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, 37044 Tours cedex 9, France.
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Sarria JC, Bradley JC, Habash R, Mitchell KT, Kimbrough RC, Vidal AM. Candida glabrata Endophthalmitis Treated Successfully with Caspofungin. Clin Infect Dis 2005; 40:e46-8. [PMID: 15714407 DOI: 10.1086/427753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2004] [Accepted: 10/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A 39-year-old man with Candida glabrata endophthalmitis was successfully treated with a 28-day course of intravenous caspofungin. Presence of underlying renal insufficiency and infection with a drug-resistant strain precluded use of amphotericin B or fluconazole. Intravitreal administration of antifungals and vitrectomy were not required. The role of caspofungin in Candida endophthalmitis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Sarria
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0435, USA.
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Abstract
Aspergillus infections are occurring with an increasing frequency in transplant recipients. Notable changes in the epidemiologic characteristics of this infection have occurred; these include a change in risk factors and later onset of infection. Management of invasive aspergillosis continues to be challenging, and the mortality rate, despite the use of newer antifungal agents, remains unacceptably high. Performing molecular studies to discern new targets for antifungal activity, identifying signaling pathways that may be amenable to immunologic interventions, assessing combination regimens of antifungal agents or combining antifungal agents with modulation of the host defense mechanisms, and devising diagnostic assays that can rapidly and reliably diagnose infections represent areas for future investigations that may lead to further improvement in outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Singh
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, VA Medical Center, Infectious Disease Section, University Dr. C, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA. nis5+@pitt.edu
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Germaud P, Morin O. [New antifungal agents and bronchopulmonary mycoses]. REVUE DE PNEUMOLOGIE CLINIQUE 2004; 60:139-144. [PMID: 15292822 DOI: 10.1016/s0761-8417(04)72088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The frequency of respiratory mycosal infections has increased over recent Years. Diagnosis has been improved by recent epidemiological data and advances in radiological and mycological diagnostic methods. Two new antifungal agents have recently received marketing approval: voriconazole and caspofungine. Voriconazole belongs to the echinocandin family of antifungals. Sites of action of antifungals have become more diversified: amphotericins act on ergosterol directly, azolated agents act on the synthesis of ergosterol, flucytosine affects synthesis of nucleic acids, and echinocandins alter the fungal wall. Synergetic or additive combinations, such as amphotericin-caspofungine, or voriconazole-caspofungine, can be proposed for advanced disease. Thus both first intention and secondary treatments, particularly for systemic candidiasis and aspergillosis, have been modified. These new protocols take into consideration the severity of the mycosal infection, co-morbidity, and drug combinations as well as cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Germaud
- Service de Pneumologie, CHRU Nantes, boulevard Jacques-Monod, 44093 Nantes Cedex 1.
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