Issues in the design and interpretation of antifungal drug trials in the critically ill

Empiric/pre-emptive anti-Candida therapy in non-neutropenic ICU patients

The potential of the systemic antifungal treatment of non-immunocompromised patients with sepsis, extra-digestive Candida colonization and multiple organ failure is unknown, although it represents three out of four antifungal treatments prescribed in intensive care units. It may allow an early treatment of invasive fungal infection at incubation phase, but exposes patients to unnecessary antifungal treatments with subsequent costs and antifungal selection pressure. As early diagnostic tests for invasive candidiasis are still considered insufficient, the potential of this strategy needs to be demonstrated by a randomized controlled trial. Such a trial is currently ongoing.

EMPIRICUS micafungin versus placebo during nosocomial sepsis in Candida multi-colonized ICU patients with multiple organ failures: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

The potential interest of antifungal treatment of non-immunocompromized patients with sepsis, extra-digestive Candida colonization and multiple organ failure is unknown. It represents three-quarters of antifungals prescribed in Intensive Care Units. It may allow early treatment of invasive fungal infection in the incubation phase but expose patients to unnecessary antifungal treatments with subsequent cost and fungal selection pressure. As early diagnostic tests for invasive candidiasis are still considered to be insufficient, the potential interest in this strategy needs to be demonstrated.

Methods

This prospective multicenter, double blind, randomized-controlled trial is conducted in 23 French Intensive Care Units. All adult patients, mechanically ventilated for more than four days with sepsis of unknown origin and with at least one extradigestive fungal colonization site and multiple organ failure are eligible for randomization. Patients with proven invasive candidiasis are not included. After a complete mycological screening, patients are allocated to receive micafungin 100 mg intravenously once a day or placebo for 14 days. We plan to enroll 260 patients. The main objective is to demonstrate that micafungin increases survival of patients without invasive candidiasis at day 28 as compared to placebo. Other outcomes include day 28 and 90 survival and organ failure evolution. Additionally, pharmacokinetics of micafungin in enrolled patients will be measured and evolution of fungal biomarkers and susceptibility profiles of infecting fungi will also be followed.

Discussion

This study will help to provide guidelines for treating non-immunocompromized patients with fungal colonization multiple organ failure and sepsis of unknown origin.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT01773876

Invasive candidiasis in the intensive care unit

Invasive fungal disease by Candida spp. is on the rise in the modem era of prolonged patient survival by virtue of improved critical care measures, novel chemotherapy regimens, and increasing immunosuppression following organ transplants. Invasive candidiasis (IC) in the setting of an intensive care unit results in prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity. Clinical suspicion plays a major role in the diagnosis of IC, as current laboratory methods are not very sensitive. Various serum markers and molecular techniques are under development to improve diagnostic strategies. Treatment options involve an expanding spectrum of antifungals. Knowledge of local epidemiology and the risk factors that predispose patients to this disease are essential for effective patient care in an intensive care setting.