ECIL-6 guidelines for the treatment of invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis and mucormycosis in leukemia and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients

Anu Taila, an herbal nasal-drop, delays spore germination in Cunninghamella bertholletiae by reducing cAMP-PKA dependent ROS in mucorale pathogen and extrinsic ROS in human host cells

The rare, fastest-germinating, frequently invasive mucorale, Cunninghamella bertholletiae, is intractable due to its imprecise etiology. Cunninghamella bertholletiae spores can infect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals to cause mucormycosis. Sub-optimal drug-susceptibility further limits its treatment options. The classical nasal drop, Anu Taila, is reported to be effective against the rather prevalent mucorales, Mucor spp., making its anti-mucormycotic effect against C. bertholletiae worth testing. The inhibitory effect of Anu Taila against C. bertholletiae was manifested as microstructural alterations of the spores and their delayed germination. Anu Taila reduced the germination-promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in both the pathogen, C. bertholletiae, and the human host lung epithelial A549 cells. Expressions of structural (chitin synthase, trehalose synthase) and functional (cAMP-PKA) markers of spore germination were regulated by Anu Taila. cAMP-PKA expression and ROS generation are well-correlated, implicating the role of Anu Taila in delaying C. bertholletiae spore germination by targeting cAMP-PKA-mediated ROS generation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Anu Taila can create an opportunity for the host immune system to tackle the onset of C. bertholletiae infection by delaying its pathogenesis. This can be further leveraged to reinforce the host immune system through combinatorial treatment to prevent the establishment of the mucormycosis infection.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Isavuconazole in Critical Care Patients with COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis and Monte Carlo Simulations of High Off-Label Doses

Isavuconazole is a triazole antifungal agent recently recommended as first-line therapy for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. With the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) have been described with a prevalence ranging from 5 to 30%. We developed and validated a population pharmacokinetic (PKpop) model of isavuconazole plasma concentrations in intensive care unit patients with CAPA. Nonlinear mixed-effect modeling Monolix software were used for PK analysis of 65 plasma trough concentrations from 18 patients. PK parameters were best estimated with a one-compartment model. The mean of ISA plasma concentrations was 1.87 [1.29-2.25] mg/L despite prolonged loading dose (72 h for one-third) and a mean maintenance dose of 300 mg per day. Pharmacokinetics (PK) modeling showed that renal replacement therapy (RRT) was significantly associated with under exposure, explaining a part of clearance variability. The Monte Carlo simulations suggested that the recommended dosing regimen did not achieve the trough target of 2 mg/L in a timely manner (72 h). This is the first isavuconazole PKpop model developed for CAPA critical care patients underlying the need of therapeutic drug monitoring, especially for patients under RRT.

How are granulocytes for transfusion best used? The past, the present and the future

Granulocyte transfusions continue to be used in clinical practice, predominantly for treatment of refractory infection in the setting of severe neutropenia. There is biological plausibility for effectiveness in these patients with deficiencies of neutrophils, either as a consequence of disease or treatment. However, there is a chequered history of conducting and completing interventional trials to define optimal use, and many uncertainties remain regarding schedule and dose. Practice and clinical studies are severely limited by the short shelf life and viability of current products, which often restricts the timely access to granulocyte transfusions. In the future, methods are needed to optimise donor-derived granulocyte products. Options include use of manufactured neutrophils, expanded and engineered from stem cells. Further possibilities include manipulation of neutrophils to enhance their function and/or longevity. Granulocyte transfusions contain a heterogeneous mix of cells, and there is additional interest in how these transfusions may have immunomodulatory effects, including for potential uses as adjuncts for anti-cancer effects.

Efficacy and safety of isavuconazole against deep-seated mycoses: A phase 3, randomized, open-label study in Japan

OBJECTIVES

Isavuconazole is a convenient triazole antifungal agent with a broad antifungal spectrum. A randomized, open-label study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03471988) was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of isavuconazole in Japanese patients with deep-seated mycoses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In Cohort A, patients with aspergillosis (chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and invasive aspergillosis) were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to isavuconazole or voriconazole, and in Cohort B, patients with cryptococcosis and mucormycosis were assigned to isavuconazole for up to 84 days of treatment. The overall outcome was evaluated according to the clinical, radiological, and mycological responses at Days 42 and 84 and at the end of treatment (EOT).

RESULTS

A total of 103 participants were enrolled and received the study drug. The overall response rate of patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in the isavuconazole (52 patients) and voriconazole (27 patients) groups was 82.7% and 77.8% at EOT, respectively. The response rate in patients with cryptococcosis (10 patients, isavuconazole group only) was 90.0%. One of three participants with invasive aspergillosis and one of three participants with mucormycosis responded in the isavuconazole group. In the safety evaluation, the incidence of adverse events in participants with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis was similar in both groups. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 32 (61.5%) patients receiving isavuconazole and 23 (85.2%) patients receiving voriconazole.

CONCLUSIONS

Isavuconazole showed efficacy and safety in Japanese patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and cryptococcosis, for which the drug is not currently indicated.

Comparing the Real-World Use of Isavuconazole to Other Anti-Fungal Therapy for Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with and without Underlying Disparities: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients with underlying malignancies and prior transplants. FDA approved Isavuconazole as a primary therapy for Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) and Mucormycosis. This study aims to compare the real-world clinical outcomes and safety of isavuconazole to voriconazole and an amphotericin B-based regimen in patients with underlying malignancies and a transplant. In addition, the response to anti-fungal therapy and the outcome were compared among patients with a disparity (elderly, obese patients, patients with renal insufficiency and diabetes mellitus) versus those with no disparity. We performed a multicenter retrospective study, including patients with cancer diagnosed with an invasive fungal infection, and treated primarily with isavuconazole, voriconazole or amphotericin B. Clinical, radiologic findings, response to therapy and therapy related adverse events were evaluated during 12 weeks of follow-up. We included 112 patients aged 14 to 77 years, and most of the IFIs were classified into definite (29) or probable (51). Most cases were invasive aspergillosis (79%), followed by fusariosis (8%). Amphotericin B were used more frequently as primary therapy (38%) than isavuconazole (30%) or voriconazole (31%). Twenty one percent of the patients presented adverse events related to primary therapy, with patients receiving isavuconazole presenting less adverse events when compared to voriconazole and amphotericin (p < 0.001; p = 0.019). Favorable response to primary therapy during 12 weeks of follow-up were similar when comparing amphotericin B, isavuconazole or voriconazole use. By univariate analysis, the overall cause of mortality at 12 weeks was higher in patients receiving amphotericin B as primary therapy. However, by multivariate analysis, Fusarium infection, invasive pulmonary infection or sinus infection were the only independent risk factors associated with mortality. In the treatment of IFI for patients with underlying malignancy or a transplant, Isavuconazole was associated with the best safety profile compared to voriconazole or amphotericin B-based regimen. Regardless of the type of anti-fungal therapy used, invasive Fusarium infections and invasive pulmonary or sinus infections were the only risk factors associated with poor outcomes. Disparity criteria did not affect the response to anti-fungal therapy and overall outcome, including mortality.

Systemic Antifungal Therapy for Invasive Pulmonary Infections

Antifungal therapy for pulmonary fungal diseases is in a state of flux. Amphotericin B, the time-honored standard of care for many years, has been replaced by agents demonstrating superior efficacy and safety, including extended-spectrum triazoles and liposomal amphotericin B. Voriconazole, which became the treatment of choice for most pulmonary mold diseases, has been compared with posaconazole and itraconazole, both of which have shown clinical efficacy similar to that of voriconazole, with fewer adverse events. With the worldwide expansion of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and infections with intrinsically resistant non-Aspergillus molds, the need for newer antifungals with novel mechanisms of action becomes ever more pressing.

Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is growing in incidence, as patients at risk are growing in diversity. Outside the classical context of neutropenia, new risk factors are emerging or newly identified, such as new anticancer drugs, viral pneumonias and hepatic dysfunctions. Clinical signs remain unspecific in these populations and the diagnostic work-up has considerably expanded. Computed tomography is key to assess the pulmonary lesions of aspergillosis, whose various features must be acknowledged. Positron-emission tomography can bring additional information for diagnosis and follow-up. The mycological argument for diagnosis is rarely fully conclusive, as biopsy from a sterile site is challenging in most clinical contexts. In patients with a risk and suggestive radiological findings, probable invasive aspergillosis is diagnosed through blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples by detecting galactomannan or DNA, or by direct microscopy and culture for the latter. Diagnosis is considered possible with mold infection in lack of mycological criterion. Nevertheless, the therapeutic decision should not be hindered by these research-oriented categories, that have been completed by better adapted ones in specific settings. Survival has been improved over the past decades with the development of relevant antifungals, including lipid formulations of amphotericin B and new azoles. New antifungals, including first-in-class molecules, are awaited.

Nanotechnology-Based Approaches for Voriconazole Delivery Applied to Invasive Fungal Infections

Invasive fungal infections increase mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. The treatment of these infections is still limited due to the low bioavailability and toxicity, requiring therapeutic monitoring, especially in the most severe cases. Voriconazole is an azole widely used to treat invasive aspergillosis, other hyaline molds, many dematiaceous molds, Candida spp., including those resistant to fluconazole, and for infections caused by endemic mycoses, in addition to those that occur in the central nervous system. However, despite its broad activity, using voriconazole has limitations related to its non-linear pharmacokinetics, leading to supratherapeutic doses and increased toxicity according to individual polymorphisms during its metabolism. In this sense, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have successfully improved the physicochemical and biological aspects of different classes of drugs, including antifungals. In this review, we highlighted recent work that has applied nanotechnology to deliver voriconazole. These systems allowed increased permeation and deposition of voriconazole in target tissues from a controlled and sustained release in different routes of administration such as ocular, pulmonary, oral, topical, and parenteral. Thus, nanotechnology application aiming to delivery voriconazole becomes a more effective and safer therapeutic alternative in the treatment of fungal infections.

Focusing COVID-19-associated mucormycosis: a major threat to immunocompromised COVID-19

COVID-19 disease has been identified to cause remarkable increase of mucormycosis infection cases in India, with the majority of cases being observed in individuals recovering from COVID-19. Mucormycosis has emanated as an outcome of the recent COVID-19 pandemic outbreak as rapidly developing fatal illness which was acquired by Mucorales fungus which is a subcategory of molds known as mucormycetes. Mucormycosis is one of the serious, sporadic mycotic illnesses which is a great threat to immunocompromised COVID-19 patients and affects people of all ages, including children with COVID-19 infections. This is associated with tissue damaging property and, therefore, causes serious clinical complications and elevated death rate. The COVID-19-associated mucormycosis or "black fungus" are the terms used interchangeably. The rapid growth of tissue necrosis presenting as "rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and disseminated disease" are various clinical forms of mucormycosis. The patient's prognosis and survival can be improved with proper surgeries using an endoscopic approach for local tissue protection in conjunction with course of appropriate conventional antifungal drug like Amphotericin-B and novel drugs like Rezafungin, encochleated Amphotericin B, Orolofim, and SCY-078 which have been explored in last few years. This review provides an overview of mucormycosis including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, its clinical forms, and therapeutic approaches for disease management like antifungal therapy, surgical debridement, and iron chelators. The published patents and ongoing clinical trials related to mucormycosis have also been mentioned in this review.

Invasive aspergillosis caused by <i>Aspergillus non-fumigatus</i> after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

   Objective. To study the features of invasive aspergillosis (IA) due to A. non-fumigatus versus A. fumigatus in adult (≥ 18 years) recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in 2016-2021.   Materials and methods. The study included 33 patients with IA caused by A. non-fumigatus (n = 20) and A. fumigatus (n = 13). A comparative analysis of cases of IA, the results of therapy and outcomes in patients after allo-HSCT in the RM Gorbacheva Research Institute was performed. Diagnostic criteria EORTC / MSGERC 2020 were used.   Results. Invasive aspergillosis caused by A. non-fumigatus made up the majority (60.6 %) of IA cases with an identified pathogen registered in patients after allo-HSCT in the period from 2016 to 2021. The main etiological agents in the A. non-fumigatus group were A. niger in 13 (65 %) patients, A. flavus – in 4 (20 %). The median day of diagnosis of A. non-fumigatus IAwas + 110 days (17–2093), for A. fumigatus it was + 46 days (2–866) (p = 0.171). Overall 12-week survival was 55 % and 59.2 % in the A. non-fumigatus and A. fumigatus groups, respectively (p = 0.617). The majority of patients in both the A. fumigatus (n = 10, 77 %) and A. non-fumigatus (n = 16, 80 %) groups received voriconazole as initial antifungal therapy. Second-linetherapy was required in 2 (10 %) patients with A. non-fumigatus IA: liposomal amphotericin B and echinocandins with or with-out posaconazole, and 2 (15 %) patients in the A. fumigatus group: liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole in combination with echinocandins. A comparative analysis showed that in patients from the two groups, none of the assessed signs (gender, age, underlying disease, disease status at the time of transplantation, time from diagnosis to allo-HSCT, source of hematopoietic stem cells, conditioning regimen, donor type, antifungal prophylaxis, cytomegalovirus reactivation, severe acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease) did not differ significantly.   Conclusions. A. niger is the main causative agent of IA caused by A. non-fumigatus. Patients characteristics, their treatment and outcomes did not differ significantly between the A. non-fumigatus and A. fumigatus groups.

COVID-19 associated mold infections: Review of COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis and mucormycosis

COVID-19-associated mold infection (CAMI) is defined as development of mold infections in COVID-19 patients. Co-pathogenesis of viral and fungal infections include the disruption of tissue barrier following SARS CoV-2 infection with the damage in the alveolar space, respiratory epithelium and endothelium injury and overwhelming inflammation and immune dysregulation during severe COVID-19. Other predisposing risk factors permissive to fungal infections during COVID-19 include the administration of immune modulators such as corticosteroids and IL-6 antagonist. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is increasingly reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. CAPA usually developed within the first month of COVID infection, and CAM frequently arose 10-15 days post diagnosis of COVID-19. Diagnosis is challenging and often indistinguishable during the cytokine storm in COVID-19, and several diagnostic criteria have been proposed. Development of CAPA and CAM is associated with a high mortality despiteappropriate anti-mold therapy. Both isavuconazole and amphotericin B can be used for treatment of CAPA and CAM; voriconazole is the primary agent for CAPA and posaconazole is an alternative for CAM. Aggressive surgery is recommended for CAM to improve patient survival. A high index of suspicion and timely and appropriate treatment is crucial to improve patient outcome.

Characteristics of antifungal utilization for hospitalized children in the United States

Objective

To characterize antifungal prescribing patterns, including the indication for antifungal use, in hospitalized children across the United States.

Design

We analyzed antifungal prescribing data from 32 hospitals that participated in the SHARPS Antibiotic Resistance, Prescribing, and Efficacy among Children (SHARPEC) study, a cross-sectional point-prevalence survey conducted between June 2016 and December 2017.

Methods

Inpatients aged <18 years with an active systemic antifungal order were included in the analysis. We classified antifungal prescribing by indication (ie, prophylaxis, empiric, targeted), and we compared the proportion of patients in each category based on patient and antifungal characteristics.

Results

Among 34,927 surveyed patients, 2,095 (6%) received at least 1 systemic antifungal and there were 2,207 antifungal prescriptions. Most patients had an underlying oncology or bone marrow transplant diagnosis (57%) or were premature (13%). The most prescribed antifungal was fluconazole (48%) and the most common indication for antifungal use was prophylaxis (64%). Of 2,095 patients receiving antifungals, 79 (4%) were prescribed >1 antifungal, most often as targeted therapy (48%). The antifungal prescribing rate ranged from 13.6 to 131.2 antifungals per 1,000 patients across hospitals (P < .001).

Conclusions

Most antifungal use in hospitalized children was for prophylaxis, and the rate of antifungal prescribing varied significantly across hospitals. Potential targets for antifungal stewardship efforts include high-risk, high-utilization populations, such as oncology and bone marrow transplant patients, and specific patterns of utilization, including prophylactic and combination antifungal therapy.

Clinical research advances of isavuconazole in the treatment of invasive fungal diseases

Purpose

Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) are a major global public health concern. The incidence of IFD has increased the demand for antifungal agents. Isavuconazole (ISA) is a new triazole antifungal agent that has shown promising efficacy in the prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent real-world experiences of using ISA for the treatment and prevention of IFD.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for clinical applications of ISA in the real world. Tables and reference lists are presented for this systematic review.

Results

IFD poses a major threat to public health and causes high mortality rates. ISA may provide a good treatment. For example, the efficacy of ISA in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) is comparable to that of voriconazole, and its efficacy in the treatment of invasive mucormycosis (IM) is similar to that of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB); therefore, ISA is recommended as the first-line treatment for IA and IM. ISA can also achieve good efficacy in the treatment of invasive candidiasis (IC) and can be used as an alternative to de-escalation therapy after first-line drug therapy. In addition, most studies have shown the efficacy and safety of ISA for the prophylaxis of IFD.

Conclusion

Taken together, ISA are expected to become a new choice for the treatment and prevention of IFD because of their good tolerability, high bioavailability, and few drug interactions.

Liposomal amphotericin B-the present

Most invasive fungal infections are opportunistic in nature but the epidemiology is constantly changing, with new risk groups being identified. Neutropenia is a classical risk factor for fungal infections, while critically ill patients in the ICU are now increasingly at risk of yeast and mould infections. Factors to be considered when choosing antifungal treatment include the emergence of rarer fungal pathogens, the risk of resistance to azoles and echinocandins and the possibility of drug-drug interactions. Liposomal amphotericin B has retained its place in the therapeutic armamentarium based on its clinical profile: a broad spectrum of antifungal activity with a low risk of resistance, predictable pharmacokinetics with a rapid accumulation at the infection site (including biofilms), a low potential for drug-drug interactions and a low risk of acute and chronic treatment-limiting toxicities versus other formulations of amphotericin B. It is a suitable choice for the first-line empirical or pre-emptive treatment of suspected fungal infections in neutropenic haematology patients and is an excellent alternative for patients with documented fungal disease who can no longer tolerate or continue their first-line azole or echinocandin therapy, both in the haematology setting and in the ICU. Moreover, it is the first-line drug of choice for the treatment of invasive mucormycosis. Finally, liposomal amphotericin B is one of the few antifungal agents approved for use in children of all ages over 1 month and is included in paediatric-specific guidelines for the management of fungal disease.

Adherence of Spanish pediatricians to "do not do" guidelines to avoid low-value care in pediatrics

The main objective of this study was to analyze the degree of knowledge and compliance of Spanish pediatricians with the "do not do" recommendations of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics. A nationwide cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out using a 25-item questionnaire among Spanish pediatricians. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. A total of 1137 pediatricians participated in the study. Most of them were women (75.1%), older than 55 (28.3%), worked in specialized care (56.9%), with public financing (91.2%), and had been working for more than 20 years (44.9%). The median of inappropriate answers per question was 9.1%. The bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that the factors that influenced higher adequacy to the "do not do" recommendations were younger than 45 years, working in specialized care, and working in the public health system.

CONCLUSION

This research is the first nationwide study in Spain to analyze the adequacy of "do not do" pediatric clinical recommendations. The study showed a high level of compliance by Spanish pediatricians with these recommendations. However, there is a lack of knowledge in less frequent infectious pathologies such as HIV or fungal infections, in not prolonging antibiotic treatment unnecessarily and directing it appropriately according to the antibiogram results. These aspects may be improved by designing measures to enhance pediatricians' knowledge in these specific aspects. Some demographical factors are related to higher adequacy. Performing this research in other countries may allow assessing the current clinical practice of pediatricians.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Low-value care is defined as care that delivers little or no benefit, may cause patients harm, or outcomes marginal benefits at a disproportionately increased cost. • Few nationwide studies have assessed adherence to "do not do" guidelines, especially in pediatric settings.

WHAT IS NEW

• Albeit there is a high level of compliance by Spanish pediatricians with the «do not do» recommendations, there is a lack of knowledge in different aspects that may be improved. • Some demographical factors are related to higher adequacy. Performing this research in other countries may allow assessing the current clinical practice of pediatricians.

Voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring and hepatotoxicity in critically ill patients: A nationwide multi-centre retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To characterize trough concentrations (C_min) of voriconazole and associated hepatotoxicity, and to determine predictors of hepatotoxicity and identify high-risk groups in critically ill patients.

METHODS

This was a nationwide, multi-centre, retrospective study. C_min and hepatotoxicity were studied from 2015 to 2020 in 363 critically ill patients who received voriconazole treatment. Logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) models were used to identify high-risk patients.

RESULTS

Large interindividual variability was observed in initial voriconazole C_min and concentrations ranged from 0.1 mg/L to 18.72 mg/L. Voriconazole-related grade ≥2 hepatotoxicity developed in 101 patients, including 48 patients with grade ≥3 hepatotoxicity. The median time to hepatotoxicity was 3 days (range 1-24 days), and 83.2% of cases of hepatotoxicity occurred within 7 days of voriconazole initiation. Voriconazole C_min was significantly associated with hepatotoxicity. The CART model showed that significant predictors of grade ≥2 hepatotoxicity were C_min >3.42 mg/L, concomitant use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or tigecycline, and septic shock. The model predicted that the incidence of grade ≥2 hepatotoxicity among these high-risk patients was 48.3-63.4%. Significant predictors of grade ≥3 hepatotoxicity were C_min >6.87 mg/L, concomitant use of at least three hepatotoxic drugs, and septic shock; the predictive incidence among these high-risk patients was 22.7-36.8%.

CONCLUSION

Higher voriconazole C_min, septic shock and concomitant use of hepatotoxic drugs were the strongest predictors of hepatotoxicity. Plasma concentrations of voriconazole should be monitored early (as soon as steady state is achieved) to avoid hepatotoxicity.

Variability of Isavuconazole Trough Concentrations during Longitudinal Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Isavuconazole (ISA), a triazole antifungal agent, is licensed for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a cornerstone of treatment efficacy for triazole antifungals due to their pharmacokinetic variability, except for ISA, for which the utility of TDM is still uncertain. We performed a retrospective study that aimed to assess the inter- and intra-individual variability of ISA trough concentrations (Cmin) and to identify the determinants involved in such variability. ISA Cmin measured in adult patients at the Grenoble Alpes University Hospital between January 2018 and August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. In total, 304 ISA Cmin for 33 patients were analyzed. The median ISA Cmin was 2.8 [25th−75th percentiles: 2.0−3.7] mg/L. The inter- and intra-individual variability was 41.5% and 30.7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed independent covariate effects of dose (β = 0.004 ± 3.56 × 10−4, p < 0.001), Aspartate aminotransférase (ASAT) (β = 0.002 ± 5.41 × 10−4, p = 0.002), and protein levels (β = 0.022 ± 0.004, p < 0.001) on ISA Cmin, whereas C reactive protein levels did not show any association. This study, conducted on a large number of ISA Cmin, shows that ISA exposure exhibits variability, explained in part by the ISA dose, and ASAT and protein levels.

Novel Insights into Fungal Infections Prophylaxis and Treatment in Pediatric Patients with Cancer

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality in children with cancer. Their correct prevention and management impact patients’ outcomes. The aim of this review is to highlight the rationale and novel insights into antifungal prophylaxis and treatment in pediatric patients with oncological and hematological diseases. The literature analysis showed that IFDs represent a minority of cases in comparison to bacterial and viral infections, but their impact might be far more serious, especially when prolonged antifungal therapy or invasive surgical treatments are required to eradicate colonization. A personalized approach is recommended since pediatric patients with cancer often present with different complications and require tailored therapy. Moreover, while the Aspergillus infection rate does not seem to increase, in the near future, new therapeutic recommendations should be required in light of new epidemiological data on Candidemia due to resistant species. Finally, further studies on CAR-T treatment and other immunotherapies are needed in patients with unique needs and the risk of complications. Definitive guidelines on IFD treatment considering the evolving epidemiology of antifungal resistance, new therapeutic approaches in pediatric cancer, novel antifungal drugs and the importance of an appropriate antifungal stewardship are urgently needed.

Effects of inflammation on voriconazole levels: a systematic review

AIMS

This study aimed to review the studies evaluating the effect of the inflammatory state on voriconazole (VRZ) levels.

METHODS

The study included randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies that focused on the influence of the inflammatory state on VRZ levels. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, relevant articles published until 2021 were searched in several databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were included in this review, of which 15 described adult populations, 3 described pediatric populations, and 2 included both adult and pediatric populations. Seventeen studies used C-reactive protein (CRP) as an indicator of inflammation, 6 described a dose-response relationship for the effect of inflammation represented by CRP on VRZ concentrations, and 4 examined the effect of CRP on the metabolic rate of VRZ.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that the level of inflammation can significantly affect VRZ levels. However, the effect of inflammation on VRZ concentrations in children is controversial and must be analyzed along with age. Clinicians dosing VRZ should take into account the patient's inflammatory state. The impact of inflammation on genotype-based dosing decisions requires further study to explain the high pharmacokinetic variability of VRZ.

Central nervous system mucormycosis in a patient with hematological malignancy: A case report and review of the literature

Invasive mucormycosis is a refractory fungal infection. Central nervous system (CNS) mucormycosis is a rare complication caused by infiltration from the paranasal sinuses or hematogenous dissemination. Here, we present a case of a brain abscess, due to mucormycosis, diagnosed using burr craniotomy. A 25-year-old Japanese woman with relapsed-refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia underwent cord blood transplantation (CBT). The patient experienced prolonged and profound neutropenia, and oral voriconazole was administered as primary antifungal prophylaxis. The patient received a conditioning regimen on day -11 and complained of aphasia and right hemiparesis on day -6. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a T2-weighted high-intensity area in the left frontal cortex. A brain abscess was suspected, and liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) administration was started. The patient underwent CBT as scheduled and underwent neutrophil engraftment on day 14. Although the patient achieved complete remission on day 28, her consciousness level gradually deteriorated. MRI revealed an enlarged brain lesion with a midline shift sign, suggesting brain herniation. Craniotomy was performed to relieve intracranial pressure and drain the abscess on day 38, and a diagnosis of cerebral mucormycosis was confirmed. The L-AMB dose was increased to 10 mg/kg on day 43. Although the patient's consciousness level improved, she died of hemorrhagic cystitis and aspiration pneumonia. Cerebral mucormycosis should be suspected if neurological symptoms are observed in stem cell transplant recipients. Prompt commencement of antifungal therapy and debridement are crucial because mucormycosis has a poor prognosis.

Mucormycosis in the COVID-19 Environment: A Multifaceted Complication

The second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused severe infections with high mortality. An increase in the cases of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) was reported predominantly in India. Commonly present in immunocompromised individuals, mucormycosis is often a life-threatening condition. Confounding factors and molecular mechanisms associated with CAM are still not well understood, and there is a need for careful research in this direction. In this review, a brief account of the diagnosis, management, and advancement in drug discovery for mucormycosis has been provided. Here, we summarize major factors that dictate the occurrence of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients through the analysis of published literature and case reports. Major predisposing factors to mucormycosis appear to be uncontrolled diabetes, steroid therapy, and certain cancers. At the molecular level, increased levels of iron in COVID-19 might contribute to mucormycosis. We have also discussed the potential role and regulation of iron metabolism in COVID-19 patients in establishing fungal growth. Other factors including diabetes prevalence and fungal spore burden in India as contributing factors have also been discussed.

Prognostication of Sino-Nasal Mucormycosis

INTRODUCTION

For the purpose of prognostication of sinonasal mucormycosis, a detailed analysis of the clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic and outcome parameters has been contemplated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospectively data was collected for all patients of sinonasal mucormycosis managed in a tertiary care hospital in last 5years.

RESULTS

Diabetes was the commonest comorbidity among total of 52 cases. Disease extent-wise, 16, 23 and 13 patients had sino-nasal (SN), rhino-orbital (RO) and rhino-orbito-cerebral (ROC) mucormycosis respectively. Median cumulative Amphotericin-B administered was 3.5gms and 94.2% of cases underwent surgical debridement depending on the disease extent. With a median follow-up of 18months, 67% of the patients are alive and disease free, 2% are under treatment and 29% of patients have expired. The mortality rate was 12.5% in SN, 30.5% in RO and 38.5% in ROC mucormycosis. Palatal and orbital involvement is associated with statistically significant mortality risk at one month.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality rate in sino-nasal mucormycosis can be significantly curtailed with prompt control of underlying comorbidity, aggressive medical and adequate surgical management.

Isavuconazole plasma concentrations in critically ill patients during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Isavuconazole is an antifungal drug used for treatment of invasive fungal infections. Critically ill COVID-19 and influenza patients require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in cases with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and have risk factors for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Little is known about isavuconazole plasma concentrations during ECMO.

OBJECTIVES

To determine isavuconazole plasma concentrations in seven patients treated with intravenous isavuconazole under ECMO and the influence of the ECMO circuit immediately after the first isavuconazole dose.

METHODS

Critically ill patients treated with isavuconazole (standard doses) and ECMO were included in this study. Sixty-four blood samples used for measurement of isavuconazole concentrations were collected at several timepoints starting 2 h after the first isavuconazole dose up to 168 h. An additional 27 blood samples were drawn from the inflow and outflow line of the membrane oxygenator to assess any potential isavuconazole clearance effect of the ECMO oxygenation device and the lines.

RESULTS

Median isavuconazole trough levels above 1 μg/mL (min. 0.83, max. 1.73) or 2 μg/mL (min. 0.84, max. 2.97) were achieved 24 h or 96 h after the first dose of isavuconazole. The isavuconazole plasma concentrations pre (inflow line) and post (outflow line) the membrane oxygenator were directly correlated (ρ = 0.987, R2 = 0.994, P < 0.001). Post membrane oxygenator isavuconazole concentrations were directly correlated to contemporaneous samples obtained from the arterial lines of patients (ρ = 0.942, R2 = 0.945, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Isavuconazole concentrations might be influenced by the higher volume of distribution due to ECMO therapy, but were not altered by the ECMO oxygenator and achieved median plasma concentrations >1 μg/mL 24 h after the first loading dose.

Influence of Gender, Body Mass Index, and Age on the Pharmacokinetics of Itraconazole in Healthy Subjects: Non-Compartmental Versus Compartmental Analysis

Itraconazole is a triazole antifungal agent with highly variable pharmacokinetics, with not yet fully identified factors as the source of this variability. Our study aimed to examine the influence of body mass index, gender, and age on the first dose pharmacokinetics of itraconazole in healthy subjects, using pharmacokinetic modeling, non-compartmental versus compartmental ones. A total of 114 itraconazole and hydroxy-itraconazole sets of plasma concentrations of healthy subjects of both genders, determined using a validated liquid chromatographic method with mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS), were obtained for pharmacokinetic analyses performed by the computer program Kinetica 5®. Genetic polymorphism in CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP1A1, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 was analyzed using PCR-based methods. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that gender had a significant effect on AUC as the most important pharmacokinetics endpoint, whereas body mass index and age did not show such an influence. Therefore, further analysis considered gender and indicated that both geometric mean values of itraconazole and hydroxy-itraconazole plasma concentrations in men were prominently higher than those in women. A significant reduction of the geometric mean values of Cmax and AUC and increment of Vd in females compared with males were obtained. Analyzed genotypes and gender differences in drug pharmacokinetics could not be related. Non-compartmental and one-compartmental models complemented each other, whereas the application of the two-compartmental model showed a significant correlation with the analysis of one compartment. They indicated a significant influence of gender on itraconazole pharmacokinetics after administration of the single oral dose of the drug, given under fed conditions. Women were less exposed to itraconazole and hydroxy-itraconazole than men due to poorer absorption of itraconazole, its more intense pre-systemic metabolism, and higher distribution of both drug and its metabolite.

Resurgence of mucormycosis during COVID-19 pandemic

Objective

To explore the literature on corona-associated mucormycosis and explain its relevance to dentists and oral surgeons.

Methods

A literature search was carried out to identify reported cases on corona-associated mucormycosis since the start of COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

A review of literature identified 265 published papers on CAM between March 2020 and September 2021. Careful screening of abstracts and full texts revealed 29 studies reporting case series of CAM and, 27 case reports on CAM.

Conclusions

A multitude of factors may be responsible for the alarming rise in the incidence of corona-associated mycosis including reduced access to routine medical services during the pandemic, injudicious use of antibiotics, steroids and nutritional supplements. Risk factors contributing to corona-associated mucormycosis need to be recognized. Dentists and oral surgeons can contribute to early recognition of corona-associated mucormycosis involving the maxilla, and palate. Prioritizing research focus on optimal management of mucormycosis may reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this debilitating infection.

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis in an acute lymphoblastic leukemia pediatric patient. Case report and review of literature

Mucormycosis is a disease caused by opportunistic fungi of the order Mucorales that generally affects immunocompromised patients or those with underlying disease. It has a high mortality rate and is the third most common invasive fungal infection. The following is a case report of a 12-year-old pediatric patient diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, who presented an aggressive infectious disease two months after beginning chemotherapy, which began in the right frontal and maxillary sinuses, with subsequent progression and extension, progressively deteriorating the patient's clinical status. Culture and biopsy of the affected areas were performed, confirming by histopathology and isolation a rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis due to Actinomucor elegans. The patient was treated with specific antifungal therapy as an inpatient and left the service after obtaining negative cultures, continuing with outpatient antifungal treatment.

Mucormycosis: risk factors, diagnosis, treatments, and challenges during COVID-19 pandemic

Mucormycosis is a deadly opportunistic disease caused by a group of fungus named mucormycetes. Fungal spores are normally present in the environment and the immune system of the body prevents them from causing disease in a healthy immunocompetent individual. But when the defense mechanism of the body is compromised such as in the patients of diabetes mellites, neustropenia, organ transplantation recipients, and other immune-compromised states, these fungal spores invade our defense mechanism easily causing a severe systemic infection with approximately 45-80% of case fatality. In the present scenario, during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients are on immunosuppressive drugs, glucocorticoids, thus are at high risk of mucormycosis. Patients with diabetes mellitus are further getting a high chance of infection. Usually, the spores gain entry through our respiratory tract affecting the lungs and paranasal sinuses. Besides, they can also enter through damage into the skin or through the gastrointestinal route. This review article presents the current statistics, the causes of this infection in the human body, and its diagnosis with available recent therapies through recent databases collected from several clinics and agencies. The diagnosis and identification of the infection were made possible through various latest medical techniques such as computed tomography scans, direct microscopic observations, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, serology, molecular assay, and histopathology. Mucormycosis is so uncommon, no randomized controlled treatment studies have been conducted. The newer triazoles, posaconazole (POSA) and isavuconazole (ISAV) (the active component of the prodrug isavuconazonium sulfate) may be beneficial in patients who are refractory to or intolerant of Liposomal Amphotericin B. but due to lack of early diagnosis and aggressive surgical debridement or excision, the mortality rate remains high. In the course of COVID-19 treatments, there must be more vigilance and alertness are required from clinicians to evaluate these invasive fungal infections.

Voriconazole in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies: Real-world usage and therapeutic level attainment at a major transplant center

BACKGROUND

Voriconazole (VCZ) was one of the first mold-active triazoles available; however, its current use among high-risk hematology populations is unknown as the uptake of posaconazole (PCZ) and isavuconazole (ISZ) increases.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the usage and therapeutic level attainment of VCZ in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) and chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy patients at our cancer center.

STUDY DESIGN

Electronic medical records for all adult HCT or CAR-T patients with an order for VCZ, PCZ or ISV between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2020 were extracted. Clinical characteristics, VCZ indication, trough VCZ levels, and frequency of VCZ initiation from 6 months pre- to 6 months post HCT/CAR-T infusion in consecutive HCT/CAR-T recipients within the study period (infusion between July 1, 2018, and January 1, 2020) were assessed. The association between relevant clinical characteristics and the attainment of sub- or supratherapeutic levels was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 468 patients prescribed mold-active triazoles, 256 (54.7%) were prescribed VCZ, 324 (69.2%) PCZ, and 60 (12.8%) ISZ; 152/468 (32.5%) treatment regimens were sequentially modified to alternate mold-active triazoles. Among consecutive HCT and CAR-T recipients at our center, evaluated 6 months pre- or post- HCT/ CAR-T, VCZ was commonly initiated pre- or post-allogeneic HCT (102/381, 26.8%), with most use in the first 30 days post stem cell infusion (40/381, 10.5%); VCZ use was less common in autologous HCT (13/276, 4.7%) and CAR-T (10/153, 6.5%). Of 223 VCZ orders that met inclusion for analysis, indications included empiric treatment in 108/223 (48.4%), directed therapy in 25/223 (11.2%), primary prophylaxis in 69/223 (30.9%) and secondary prophylaxis in 21/223 (9.4%). Of 223 eligible VCZ patients, 144 (64.6%) had at least one VCZ level measured during the study period; 75/144 (52.1%) had a therapeutic VCZ level (1.0-5.5mg/L) at the first measurement (median 2.8mg/L [range 0.1 - 13.5]) at a median of 6 days of therapy, with 26.4% subtherapeutic and 21.5% supratherapeutic; 46/88 (52.3%) were therapeutic at the second measurement (2.1mg/L [0.1 - 9.9]) at a median of 17 days of therapy; and 33/48 (68.8%) at the third (2.3mg/L [0.1 - 7.7]) at a median of 29 days. In multivariable analysis of factors associated with sub- or supratherapeutic levels (body mass index ≥30, concurrent omeprazole use, concurrent letermovir use, indication for VCZ, history/timeframe of HCT), the only significant association was lower odds of a supratherapeutic VCZ level among those undergoing HCT within the previous 30 days compared to those without a history of HCT.

CONCLUSIONS

VCZ continues to remain an important option in the treatment and prevention of invasive fungal infections in an era when alternative oral mold-active triazoles are available. In spite of long-standing experience with VCZ prescribing, therapeutic level attainment remains a challenge.

Post COVID-19 Head and Neck Mucormycosis: MR Imaging Spectrum and Staging

Objective

To develop a systematic approach for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis, imaging spectrum, and classification system for the staging of post-COVID-19 head and neck mucormycosis.

Method

The study included 63 post-COVID-19 patients with pathologically proven mucormycosis who underwent head and neck MR imaging. Three independent radiologists assessed the imaging spectrum of mucormycosis, MRI characteristics of sino-nasal mucormycosis, and extra-sinus extension, and submitted a final staging using a systematic approach and a proposed categorization system. A consensus reading was considered the reference imaging standard. The kappa statistics were used to assess the categorization system's diagnostic reliability.

Results

The overall interreader agreement of the MR staging system was very good (k-score = 0.817). MR imaging spectrum involved localized sino-nasal mucormycosis (n = 7 patients, 11.1%), sino-nasal mucormycosis with maxillo-facial soft tissue extension (n = 28 patients, 44.5 %), sino-nasal mucormycosis with maxillo-facial bony extension (n = 7 patients, 11.1%), sino-naso-orbital mucormycosis (n = 13 patients, 20.6%), and sino-nasal mucormycosis with cranium or intracranial extension (n = 8 patients, 12.7%). Extra-sinus extension to the orbit and brain did not have significant association with involvement of the posterior ethmoid/sphenoid sinuses and maxillo-facial regions (p > 0.05). MRI-based staging involved four stages: stage 1 (n = 7, 11.1%); stage 2 (n = 35, 55.6%), and stage 3 (n = 13, 20.6%), and stage 4 (n = 8, 12.7%). Involvement of the bone and MR-based staging were significant predictors of patients’ mortality p = 0.012 and 0.033, respectively.

Conclusion

This study used a diagnostic-reliable staging method to define the imaging spectrum of post-COVID-19 head and neck mucormycosis and identify risk variables for extra-sinus extension.

Mucormycosis and COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis: Insights of a Deadly but Neglected Mycosis

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has quickly become a health threat worldwide, with high mortality and morbidity among patients with comorbidities. This viral infection promotes the perfect setting in patients for the development of opportunistic infections, such as those caused by fungi. Mucormycosis, a rare but deadly fungal infection, has recently increased its incidence, especially in endemic areas, since the onset of the pandemic. COVID-19-associated mucormycosis is an important complication of the pandemic because it is a mycosis hard to diagnose and treat, causing concern among COVID-19-infected patients and even in the already recovered population. The risk factors for the development of mucormycosis in these patients are related to the damage caused by the SARS-CoV-2 itself, the patient's overstimulated immune response, and the therapy used to treat COVID-19, causing alterations such as hyperglycemia, acidosis, endothelial and lung damage, and immunosuppression. In this review, the molecular aspects of mucormycosis and the main risk factors for the development of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis are explained to understand this virus-fungi-host interaction and highlight the importance of this neglected mycosis.

The Feasibility of Ibrexafungerp for the Treatment of Fungal Infections in Patients with Hematological Malignancies

Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hematological patients, especially those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Despite relatively high incidence, diagnosis and treatment remain a challenge due to non-specific manifestation and limited antifungal armamentarium. A first-in-class triterpenoid antifungal ibrexafungerp that acts by inhibiting the glucan synthase enzyme in the fungal cell wall was recently approved by the USA Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections. Preclinical data show activity against numerous fungi species, including azole- and echinocandin-resistant strains. Preliminary data from ongoing phase 3 studies in IFD have been encouraging, but the role of ibrexafungerp in hematological patients who develop fungal infections has not yet been described. Herein, we discuss the feasibility of oral ibrexafungerp-based antifungal therapy for adult patients with hematological malignancies who have either undergone HSCT or received treatment with a novel targeted therapy agent. We present four clinical cases where ibrexafungerp alone or in combination with other antifungal agents was successfully employed for the management of refractory fungal infection. We describe real-life experiences showing the potential clinical implementation of ibrexafungerp for patients with hematological malignancies for the first time, and provoke future discussion.

Systemic antifungal strategies in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients hospitalized in french hematology units: a post-hoc analysis of the cross-sectional observational AFHEM study

Background

Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) remain a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) and are associated with high mortality rates in patients receiving alloHSCT. Antifungal prophylaxis is increasingly being used in the management of IFDs in patients receiving alloHSCT.

Methods

A post-hoc analysis of the cross-sectional observational AFHEM study was carried out to describe the use of antifungal drugs in real-life clinical practice in alloHSCT recipients hospitalized in French hematological units.

Results

A total of 147 alloHSCT recipients were enrolled; most were adults (n = 135; 92%) and had received alloHSCT < 6 months prior to enrollment (n = 123; 84%). Overall, 119 (81%) patients received a systemic antifungal therapy; of these, 95 (80%) patients received antifungal prophylaxis. Rates of patients receiving systemic antifungal treatment were similar irrespective of transplant time, neutropenic, and graft-versus-host disease status. Among patients on systemic antifungal treatment, 83 (70%) received an azole, 22 (18%) received an echinocandin, and 16 (13%) received a polyene.

Conclusions

This work provides evidence of the antifungal strategies used in alloHSCT recipients hospitalized in French hematological units. Unlike earlier studies, the AFHEM study showed that prophylaxis appears to be the leading antifungal strategy used in alloHSCT recipients in France.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Caspofungin and Dose Simulations in Heart Transplant Recipients

The effect of heart transplantation (HTx) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of caspofungin is not well-characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the population PK of caspofungin in HTx and non-HTx patients and to identify covariates that may affect the PK of caspofungin. Seven successive blood samples were collected before administration and at 1, 2, 6, 10, 16, and 24 h after the administration of caspofungin for at least 3 days. This study recruited 27 HTx recipients and 31 non-HTx patients with 414 plasma concentrations in total. A nonlinear mixed-effects model was used to describe the population PK of caspofungin. The PK of caspofungin was best described by a two-compartment model. The clearance (CL) and volume of the central compartment (V_c) of caspofungin were 0.385 liter/h and 4.27 liters, respectively. The intercompartmental clearance (Q) and the volume of the peripheral compartment (V_p) were 2.85 liters/h and 6.01 liters, respectively. In the final model, we found that albumin (ALB) affected the CL of caspofungin with an adjustment factor of -1.01, and no other covariates were identified. In this study, HTx was not found to affect the PK of caspofungin. Based on the simulations, the dose of caspofungin should be proportionately increased in patients with decreased ALB levels.

Changing Trends in the Survival of Immunosuppressed Children with Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis has been associated with high mortality rates.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the contribution of novel detection and treatment methods on the outcome of immunosuppressed children with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

METHODS

The records of all children with a hematologic or oncologic disease who developed acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis between 2005-2020 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients were included. Aspergillosis and mucormycosis were diagnosed in 20 patients (59%) and 12 patients (35%), respectively. Panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was associated with a change of treatment in 36% of patients. A more aggressive surgical approach as well as treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and novel antifungals were adopted in recent years. Overall, 26% of patients died of disease, however no disease-specific death occurred since 2012. Diagnosis using panfungal PCR (p  =  .04) and treatment with novel antifungal medications (p  =  .017) were significantly associated with disease-specific survival.

CONCLUSION

Enhanced fungal detection using panfungal PCR and treatment with novel antifungal agents, combined with rapid diagnosis and treatment, aggressive surgical approach and better control over the underlying oncological disease, may significantly improve the outcome of immunosuppressed children with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.

Oesophageal and pulmonary invasive aspergillosis in a patient with multiple myeloma

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a serious fungal infection that primarily affects patients with prolonged and profound neutropenia, and compromised cell-mediated immunity. Aspergillosis of the oesophagus and gastrointestinal tract is uncommon but seen in advanced cases of disseminated IA. However, it is difficult to diagnose antemortem due to the poor specificity of the symptoms and the absence of characteristic imaging findings. Therefore, the reported cases of gastrointestinal aspergillosis have been associated with high morbidity and mortality, and frequently diagnosed postmortem. Here we present a successful outcome in a patient with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma who had presented with febrile neutropenia, cough and dysphagia, and was diagnosed with disseminated IA comprising of pulmonary and oesophageal involvement. This case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion and the importance of invasive procedures for histopathology and molecular diagnostics to ensure an early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.

Pulmonary Actinomycosis and Mucormycosis Coinfection in a Patient With Philadelphia Chromosome-positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Undergoing Chemotherapy

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic and progressive infection, while actinomycosis usually grows gradually and rarely develops in immunocompromised patients. Here we report a patient with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed a pulmonary actinomycosis and mucormycosis coinfection. Once the diagnosis of actinomycosis was confirmed by bronchoscopy, lobectomy performed before stem cell transplantation revealed mucormycosis. The patient successfully underwent transplantation using a therapeutic antifungal agent for mucormycosis. When an immunocompromised patient develops an infection of unknown etiology, physicians should consider these pathogens as the possible cause. In addition, surgical intervention should be considered as an important treatment option.

Longitudinal multimodal imaging-compatible mouse model of triazole-sensitive and -resistant invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) caused by the mold Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most important life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. The alarming increase of isolates resistant to the first-line recommended antifungal therapy urges more insights into triazole-resistant A. fumigatus infections. In this study, we systematically optimized a longitudinal multimodal imaging-compatible neutropenic mouse model of IPA. Reproducible rates of pulmonary infection were achieved through immunosuppression (sustained neutropenia) with 150 mg/kg cyclophosphamide at day −4, −1 and 2, and an orotracheal inoculation route in both sexes. Furthermore, increased sensitivity of in vivo bioluminescence imaging for fungal burden detection, as early as the day after infection, was achieved by optimizing luciferin dosing and through engineering isogenic red-shifted bioluminescent A. fumigatus strains, one wild type and two triazole-resistant mutants. We successfully tested appropriate and inappropriate antifungal treatment scenarios in vivo with our optimized multimodal imaging strategy, according to the in vitro susceptibility of our luminescent fungal strains. Therefore, we provide novel essential mouse models with sensitive imaging tools for investigating IPA development and therapy in triazole-susceptible and triazole-resistant scenarios.

Summary: A novel reproducible longitudinal multimodal imaging-compatible neutropenic mouse model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis provides increased early fungal detection through novel red-shifted luciferase-expressing triazole-susceptible and -resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains, and boosted bioluminescence.

How to Treat a Child With a Concurrent Diagnosis of Leukemia and Generalized Mucormycosis? Case Report

Mucormycosis is a rare but a devastating and lifethreatening fungal infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales usually in immunocompromised patients. Depending on the organs and tissues involved, there are sinus, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, orbital, cerebral, cutaneous and disseminated mucormycosis. Only sporadic cases of hepatic mucormycosis have been described. Hence, we present a complicated treatment management in a 16-month-old child with leukemia and generalized mucormycosis localized in the liver and in the gastrointestinal tract. The collaboration of a multidisciplinary team and appropriate therapy gave a chance not only to save the patient's life, but to carry out anticancer treatment, which resulted in leukemia remission. A 6-month course of isavuconazole and amphotericin B liposomal as well as surgical treatment led to the cure of the fungal infection.

Human Tissue Distribution of Caspofungin

Tissue concentrations of caspofungin were determined in nine different tissues taken during autopsy of twenty patients who had deceased during treatment or within 23 days after cessation. The highest levels were achieved in liver with concentrations ranging from ≤0.50 to 91.5 µg/g (0.60 µg/g 21 days after the last administration), followed by spleen (<0.25 to 46.3 µg/g), kidney (<0.25 to 33.6 µg/g), and lung (<0.25 to 31.0 µg/g). Intermediate concentrations were found in pancreas, skeletal muscle, thyroid, and myocardium. The smallest amounts were recovered from brain where caspofungin could be measured in six out of seventeen samples only. Caspofungin concentrations exceeded the MIC values of pathogenic Candida species in most of the tissue samples taken from patients who had deceased during treatment, except in brain samples. Our findings warrant clinical outcome studies for establishment of optimal treatment of deep-seated candidiasis and support the current recommendations against echinocandins for treatment of fungal meningoencephalitis.

Antifungal Drugs TDM: Trends and Update

PURPOSE

The increasing burden of invasive fungal infections results in growing challenges to antifungal (AF) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This review aims to provide an overview of recent advances in AF TDM.

METHODS

We conducted a PubMed search for articles during 2016-2020 using "TDM" or "pharmacokinetics" or "drug-drug-interaction" with "antifungal," consolidated for each AF. Selection was limited to English language articles with human data on drug exposure.

RESULTS

More than 1000 articles matched the search terms. We selected 566 publications. The latest findings tend to confirm previous observations in real-life clinical settings. The pharmacokinetic variability related to special populations is not specific but must be considered. AF benefit-to-risk ratio, drug-drug interaction (DDI) profiles, and minimal inhibitory concentrations for pathogens must be known to manage at-risk situations and patients. Itraconazole has replaced ketoconazole in healthy volunteers DDI studies. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling is widely used to assess metabolic azole DDI. AF prophylactic use was studied more for Aspergillus spp. and Mucorales in oncohematology and solid organ transplantation than for Candida (already studied). Emergence of central nervous system infection and severe infections in immunocompetent individuals both merit special attention. TDM is more challenging for azoles than amphotericin B and echinocandins. Fewer TDM requirements exist for fluconazole and isavuconazole (ISZ); however, ISZ is frequently used in clinical situations in which TDM is recommended. Voriconazole remains the most challenging of the AF, with toxicity limiting high-dose treatments. Moreover, alternative treatments (posaconazole tablets, ISZ) are now available.

CONCLUSIONS

TDM seems to be crucial for curative and/or long-term maintenance treatment in highly variable patients. TDM poses fewer cost issues than the drugs themselves or subsequent treatment issues. The integration of clinical pharmacology into multidisciplinary management is now increasingly seen as a part of patient care.

Improved In Vitro Anti-Mucorales Activity and Cytotoxicity of Amphotericin B with a Pegylated Surfactant

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the combination of amphotericin B (AmB) and various non-ionic surfactants on the anti-Mucorales activity of AmB, the toxicity of the combination on eukaryotic cells and the modification of AmB aggregation states. Checkerboards were performed on five genera of Mucorales (12 strains) using several combinations of different surfactants and AmB. These data were analyzed by an E_max model. The effect of surfactants on the cytotoxic activity of AmB was then evaluated for red blood cells and two eukaryotic cell lines by absorbance and propidium iodide internalization. Finally, the effect of polyethylene glycol (15)-hydroxystearate (PEG15HS) on the aggregation states of AmB was evaluated by UV-visible spectrometry. PEG15HS increased the efficacy of AmB on four of the five Mucorales genera, and MICs of AmB were decreased up to 68-fold for L. ramosa. PEG15HS was the only surfactant to not increase the cytotoxic activity of AmB. Finally, the analysis of AmB aggregation states showed that the increased efficacy of AmB and the absence of toxicity are related to an increase in monomeric and polyaggregated forms of AmB at the detriment of the dimeric form. In conclusion, PEG15HS increases the in vitro efficacy of AmB against Mucorales at low concentration, without increasing its toxicity; this combination could therefore be evaluated in the treatment of mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis (black fungus) ensuing COVID-19 and comorbidity meets - Magnifying global pandemic grieve and catastrophe begins

Post COVID-19, mucormycosis occurred after the SARS-CoV-2 has rampaged the human population and is a scorching problem among the pandemic globally, particularly among Asian countries. Invasive mucormycosis has been extensively reported from mild to severe COVID-19 survivors. The robust predisposing factor seems to be uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, comorbidity and immunosuppression acquired through steroid therapy. The prime susceptive reason for the increase of mucormycosis cases is elevated iron levels in the serum of the COVID survivors. A panoramic understanding of the infection has been elucidated based on clinical manifestation, genetic and non- genetic mechanisms of steroid drug administration, biochemical pathways and immune modulated receptor associations. This review lime-lights and addresses the "What", "Why", "How" and "When" about the COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) in a comprehensive manner with a pure intention to bring about awareness to the common public as the cases are inevitably and exponentially increasing in India and global countries as well. The article also unearthed the pathogenesis of mucormycosis and its association with the COVID-19 sequela, the plausible routes of entry, diagnosis and counter remedies to keep the infection at bay. Cohorts of case reports were analysed to spotlight the link between the pandemic COVID-19 and the nightmare-mucormycosis.

Real-World Use of Isavuconazole as Primary Therapy for Invasive Fungal Infections in High-Risk Patients with Hematologic Malignancy or Stem Cell Transplant

(1) Introduction: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) and stem cell transplants (SCT). Isavuconazole was approved by FDA as a primary therapy for Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) and Mucormycosis. The aim of this study is to look at the real-world use of Isavuconazole in patients with HM and evaluate their clinical outcomes and safety. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of HM patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center who had definite, probable or possible mold infections between 1 April 2016 and 31 January 2020 and were treated with Isavuconazole for a period of at least 7 days. Clinical and radiological findings were assessed at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks of follow up. (3) Results: We included 200 HM patients with IFIs that were classified as definite (11), probable (63) and possible (126). Aspergillus spp was the most commonly isolated pathogen. The majority of patients (59%) received prophylaxis with anti-mold therapy and Isavuconazole was used as a primary therapy in 43% of patients, and as salvage therapy in 58%. The switch to Isavuconazole was driven by the failure of the primary therapy in 66% of the cases and by adverse effects in 29%. Isavuconazole was used as monotherapy in 30% of the cases and in combination in 70%. Adverse events possibly related to Isavuconazole were reported in eight patients (4%) leading to drug discontinuation. Moreover, a favorable response with Isavuconazole was observed in 40% at 6 weeks and in 60% at 12 weeks. There was no significant difference between isavuconazole monotherapy and combination therapy (p = 0.16 at 6 weeks and p = 0.06 at 12 weeks). Finally, there was no significant difference in outcome when Isavuconazole was used after failure of other anti-mold prophylaxis or treatment versus when used de novo as an anti-mold therapy (p = 0.68 at 6 weeks and p = 0.25 at 12 weeks). (4) Conclusions: Whether used as first-line therapy or after the failure of other azole and non-azole prophylaxis or therapies, isavuconazole seems to have a promising clinical response and a good safety profile as an antifungal therapy in high-risk cancer patients with hematologic malignancies. Moreover, combination therapy did not improve the outcome compared to Isavuconazole therapy.