Caspofungin for invasive fungal infections: combination treatment with liposomal amphotericin B in children undergoing hemopoietic stem cell transplantation

Pediatr Transplant. 2005 Apr;9(2):254-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2005.00261.x.

Abstract

Invasive fungal infections often prove difficult to eradicate especially in the stem cell transplant setting. Amphotericin has been the mainstay of treatment for years but has significant toxicity. Newer antifungal agents, such as caspofungin, have shown promising results in adults, particularly when used in combination with amphotericin as both drugs differ in their mode of action. However, there are few data from children and no previous published information about the use of Caspofungin after paediatric stem cell transplantation. We report our experience in children with proven invasive fungal infections after stem cell transplantation. This combination was non-toxic, and two of three patients survived their infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use*
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Aspergillosis / drug therapy
  • Aspergillus fumigatus
  • Caspofungin
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Echinocandins
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Lipopeptides
  • Liposomes
  • Male
  • Mycoses / drug therapy*
  • Peptides, Cyclic / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Echinocandins
  • Lipopeptides
  • Liposomes
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • Amphotericin B
  • Caspofungin