Aerosolized amphotericin for the treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Managing diagnostic complexity: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) mimicking asthma exacerbation and infections in pediatric cases

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) presents diagnostic hurdles in pediatrics due to its resemblance to asthma or infections. An 11-year-old girl, known for recurrent asthma-related hospitalizations, presented with ongoing cough and breathing issues. Initial asthma treatment provided temporary relief, but her reliance on oxygen spurred further investigation. Radiological assessments initially suggested infection, confirmed as Klebsiella pneumonia, but antibiotic treatment proved insufficient. Elevated eosinophils, IgE levels, and specific IgE for Aspergillus fumigatus hinted at ABPA. Confirmation led to a successful three-month oral steroid course, combining therapies for effective management. Distinguishing ABPA from asthma and infections demands a thorough approach for timely identification and treatment in pediatric cases.

Could the Lung Be a Gateway for Amphotericin B to Attack the Army of Fungi?

Fungal diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Aspergillus, Pneumocystis, and Cryptococcus are opportunistic fungi and may cause severe lung disease. They can develop mechanisms to evade the host immune system and colonize or cause lung disease. Current fungal infection treatments constitute a few classes of antifungal drugs with significant fungi resistance development. Amphotericin B (AmB) has a broad-spectrum antifungal effect with a low incidence of resistance. However, AmB is a highly lipophilic antifungal with low solubility and permeability and is unstable in light, heat, and oxygen. Due to the difficulty of achieving adequate concentrations of AmB in the lung by intravenous administration and seeking to minimize adverse effects, nebulized AmB has been used. The pulmonary pathway has advantages such as its rapid onset of action, low metabolic activity at the site of action, ability to avoid first-pass hepatic metabolism, lower risk of adverse effects, and thin thickness of the alveolar epithelium. This paper presented different strategies for pulmonary AmB delivery, detailing the potential of nanoformulation and hoping to foster research in the field. Our finds indicate that despite an optimistic scenario for the pulmonary formulation of AmB based on the encouraging results discussed here, there is still no product registration on the FDA nor any clinical trial undergoing ClinicalTrial.gov.

Invasive Aspergillus outbreak in inhalation injury: a case presentation and literature review

Background

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis often occurs in patients with poor immune function, who abuse steroids or broad-spectrum antibiotics, or who use intravenous drugs. Among the Aspergillus genus of pulmonary infection, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important pathogen, followed by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus terreus. Inhalation injury complicated by Aspergillus infection has atypical clinical manifestations. Diagnosis is difficult, and it is easy to make mistakes in treatment. Moreover, there are few cases of burn inhalation injury complicated with pulmonary Aspergillus.

Case presentation

We report a case of severe burns combined with severe inhalation injury, early pulmonary aspergillosis, and severe respiratory failure due to treatment discontinuation. Through analyzing the processes of diagnosis and treatment in the present case and performing a literature review, we explore feasible diagnosis and treatment plans.

Conclusions

Early application of a variety of diagnostic measures can be used to identify Aspergillus infection, and targeted anti-infection treatment is likely to reverse a severe adverse prognosis.

Beyond the Guidelines: Treatment of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Cystic Fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

To review the available literature addressing alternative allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) treatment options for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).

DATA SOURCES

A literature search of PubMed was performed (January 2002 to April 2021) using the following search terms: allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergillus-related lung disease, cystic fibrosis. Manufacturer prescribing information, clinical practice guidelines, and data from ClinicalTrials.gov were incorporated in the reviewed data.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Relevant English-language studies or those conducted in humans were considered for inclusion.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Available literature for alternative ABPA treatments in CF is lacking randomized controlled trials, but there is considerable support in case reports and case series describing the benefits in pediatric and adult patients. Recent literature has begun to explore the place in therapy for novel, corticosteroid-sparing treatment approaches. The alternative therapies summarized in this review all resulted in clinical improvement and subsequent discontinuation or dose reductions of oral corticosteroids, with minimal reported adverse drug effects.

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

Although corticosteroids are the cornerstone of ABPA management, the toxicities can be significant limitations in an already high-risk patient population. Patients may fail or become intolerant to guideline-recommended therapies and require alternative treatment approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Alternative treatment modalities for ABPA in patients with CF, including azole antifungals, pulsed intravenous glucocorticoids, omalizumab, mepolizumab, and inhaled amphotericin, appear to be efficacious and well tolerated. Pharmacological properties including route of administration, storage and stability, beyond use dating, and adverse effects of the various treatment modalities must be considered when selecting a practical care plan for patients.

Allergic Broncho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis

Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immunologically mediated lung disease that usually occurs in people with a diagnosis of asthma or cystic fibrosis. It is a noninvasive lung disease caused by colonization of the airways with Aspergillus fumigatus. In people who are susceptible, Aspergillus leads to an exaggerated immune response and ultimately pulmonary inflammation and lung damage. Patients with ABPA typically present with poorly controlled asthma, recurrent pulmonary infiltrates, and bronchiectasis. Diagnosis of ABPA is established based on a combination of clinical manifestations as well as laboratory and radiological evaluations. Delay in diagnosis can result in airway destruction and pulmonary fibrosis, which may result in significant morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management of patients with ABPA. It aims to serve as a tool for pediatricians to aid in early recognition of this debilitating disease and consider referral, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment. [Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(5):e214-e221.].

Aspergillus fumigatus Strain-Specific Conidia Lung Persistence Causes an Allergic Broncho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis-Like Disease Phenotype

Aspergillus fumigatus is a filamentous fungus which can cause multiple diseases in humans. Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a disease diagnosed primarily in cystic fibrosis patients caused by a severe allergic response often to long-term A. fumigatus colonization in the lungs. Mice develop an allergic response to repeated inhalation of A. fumigatus spores; however, no strains have been identified that can survive long-term in the mouse lung and cause ABPA-like disease. We characterized A. fumigatus strain W72310, which was isolated from the expectorated sputum of an ABPA patient, by whole-genome sequencing and in vitro and in vivo viability assays in comparison to a common reference strain, CEA10. W72310 was resistant to leukocyte-mediated killing and persisted in the mouse lung longer than CEA10, a phenotype that correlated with greater resistance to oxidative stressors, hydrogen peroxide, and menadione, in vitro In animals both sensitized and challenged with W72310, conidia, but not hyphae, were viable in the lungs for up to 21 days in association with eosinophilic airway inflammation, airway leakage, serum IgE, and mucus production. W72310-sensitized mice that were recall challenged with conidia had increased inflammation, Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and airway leakage compared to controls. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that a unique strain of A. fumigatus resistant to leukocyte killing can persist in the mouse lung in conidial form and elicit features of ABPA-like disease.IMPORTANCE Allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) patients often present with long-term colonization of Aspergillus fumigatus Current understanding of ABPA pathogenesis has been complicated by a lack of long-term in vivo fungal persistence models. We have identified a clinical isolate of A. fumigatus, W72310, which persists in the murine lung and causes an ABPA-like disease phenotype. Surprisingly, while viable, W72310 showed little to no growth beyond the conidial stage in the lung. This indicates that it is possible that A. fumigatus can cause allergic disease in the lung without any significant hyphal growth. The identification of this strain of A. fumigatus can be used not only to better understand disease pathogenesis of ABPA and potential antifungal treatments but also to identify features of fungal strains that drive long-term fungal persistence in the lung. Consequently, these observations are a step toward helping resolve the long-standing question of when to utilize antifungal therapies in patients with ABPA and fungal allergic-type diseases.

Amphotericin B induces epithelial voltage responses in people with cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Approximately 10% of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) have mutations that result in little to no CFTR production and thus cannot benefit from CFTR modulators. We previously found that Amphotericin B (AmB), a small molecule that forms anion channels, restored HCO₃^- secretion and increased host defenses in primary cultures of CF airway epithelia. Further, AmB increased ASL pH in CFTR-null pigs, suggesting an alternative CFTR-independent approach to achieve gain-of-function. However, it remains unclear whether this approach can be effective in people.

METHODS

To determine whether AmB can impact physiology in people with CF, we first tested whether Fungizone, a clinically approved AmB formulation, could cause electrophysiological effects consistent with anion secretion in primary cultures of CF airway epithelia. We then evaluated the capacity of AmB to change nasal potential difference (NPD), a key clinical biomarker, in people with CF not on CFTR modulators.

RESULTS

AmB increased transepithelial Cl^- current and hyperpolarized calculated transepithelial voltage in primary cultures of CF airway epithelia from people with two nonsense mutations. In eight people with CF not on CFTR modulators, intranasal Fungizone treatment caused a statistically significant change in NPD. This change was similar in direction and magnitude to the effect of ivacaftor in people with a G551D mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide the first evidence that AmB can impact a clinical biomarker in people with CF. These results encourage additional clinical studies in people with CF to determine whether small molecule anion channels can provide benefit.

Optimization of antimicrobials in the treatment of cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations: II. Therapies for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

This review is the second article in the State-of-the-Art series and aims to evaluate medications used in the treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in pediatric and adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). ABPA is one of several organisms that are found in the airways of CF patients. This review provides an evidence-based summary of pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD), tolerability, and efficacy studies of medications including corticosteroids, amphotericin B, azole antifungals (isavuconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole), and a monoclonal antibody omalizumab in the treatment of ABPA and identifies areas where further study is warranted.

Advanced spray dried proliposomes of amphotericin B lung surfactant-mimic phospholipid microparticles/nanoparticles as dry powder inhalers for targeted pulmonary drug delivery

The purpose of this study was to design, develop and characterize inhalable proliposomal microparticles/nanoparticles of Amphotericin B (AmB) with synthetic phospholipids, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) which are lung surfactant-mimic phospholipids. Organic solutions of AmB and phospholipids, were co-spray dried using an advanced closed-mode system and a high performance cyclone. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to visualize the surface structure, morphology, and particles size. The residual water content of the proliposomes was quantified by Karl Fisher coulometric titration (KFT). Degree of crystallinity/non-crystallinity was measured by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). Phase behavior was measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The chemical composition by molecular fingerprinting was established using attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The amount of AmB loaded into the proliposomes was quantified using UV-VIS spectroscopy. The in vitro aerosol dispersion performance was conducted using the Next Generation Impactor (NGI) and the human dry powder inhaler (DPI) (Handihaler®) that is FDA-approved. Different human lung cell lines were employed to demonstrate in vitro safety as a function of dose and formulation. Smooth, spherical microparticles/nanoparticles were formed at medium and high spray drying pump rates and had low residual water content. A characteristic peak in the XRPD diffraction pattern as well as an endotherm in DSC confirmed the presence of the lipid bilayer structure characteristic in the DPPC/DPPG proliposomal systems. Superior in vitro aerosol performance was achieved with engineered microparticles/nanoparticles demonstrating suitability for targeted pulmonary drug delivery as inhalable dry powders. The in vitro cellular studies demonstrated that the formulated proliposomes are safe. These AmB proliposomes can be a better option for targeted treatment of severe pulmonary fungal infections.

An evaluation of nebulised amphotericin B deoxycholate (Fungizone® ) for treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis in the UK National Aspergillosis Centre

Antifungal treatment options for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS) are largely limited to itraconazole based on the outcome of randomised controlled trials. It is unclear if nebulised amphotericin B deoxycholate (Fungizone^® ) is a viable therapeutic option. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of nebulised Fungizone^® in the long-term treatment of various forms of pulmonary aspergillosis. We assessed the records of 177 patients with various forms of pulmonary aspergillosis attending the National Aspergillosis Centre in Manchester who had received Fungizone^® . Patients first received a challenge test with nebulised Fungizone^® in hospital with spirometry pre/post-Fungizone^® and nebulised salbutamol given pre-Fungizone^® . Tolerability and changes in Aspergillus IgE, Aspergillus IgG and total IgE were evaluated. Sixty-six per cent (117/177) were able to tolerate the test dose of Fungizone^® and in all cases, the reason for discontinuation of the first test dose was worsening breathlessness. Twenty six (21%) stopped therapy within 4-6 weeks, and the commonest reason cited for discontinuation of therapy was increased breathlessness, hoarseness and cough. Eighteen (10.2%) patients continued the Fungizone^® for >3 months of which 5 (27.8%) recorded an improvement in total IgE, Aspergillus-specific IgE and Aspergillus IgG. Eleven had ABPA, four had SAFS, two had Aspergillus bronchitis and one had Aspergillus sensitisation with cavitating nodules. Among these 18 patients, sputum fungal culture results went from positive to negative in five patients, became positive in one patient, remained positive in three patients, and remained negative in seven patients. Nebulised Fungizone^® appears to be a poorly tolerated treatment for pulmonary Aspergillosis with high dropout rates. There appears to be both clinical and serological benefits following sustained treatment with nebulised Fungizone^® in some patients.

Current Approach in the Diagnosis and Management of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex pulmonary disorder characterized by a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus, and almost always seen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and asthma. Fungal hyphae leads to an ongoing inflammation in the airways that may result in bronchiectasis, fibrosis, and eventually loss of lung function. Despite the fact that ABPA is thought to be more prevalent in CF than in asthma, the literature on ABPA in CF is more limited. The diagnosis is challenging and may be delayed because it is made based on a combination of clinical features, and radiologic and immunologic findings. With clinical deterioration of a patient with CF, ABPA is important to be kept in mind because clinical manifestations mimic pulmonary exacerbations of CF. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important in preventing complications related to ABPA. Treatment modalities involve the use of anti-inflammatory agents to suppress the immune hyperreactivity and the use of antifungal agents to reduce fungal burden. Recently, in an effort to treat refractory patients or to reduce adverse effects of steroids, other treatment options such as monoclonal antibodies have started to be used. Intensive research of these new agents in the treatment of children is being conducted to address insufficient data.

Airway mycosis in allergic airway disease

The allergic airway diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) and many others, comprise a heterogeneous collection of inflammatory disorders affecting the upper and lower airways and lung parenchyma that represent the most common chronic diseases of humanity. In addition to their shared tissue tropism, the allergic airway diseases are characterized by a distinct pattern of inflammation involving the accumulation of eosinophils, type 2 macrophages, innate lymphoid cells type 2 (ILC2), IgE-secreting B cells, and T helper type 2 (Th2) cells in airway tissues, and the prominent production of type 2 cytokines including interleukin (IL-) 33, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and many others. These factors and related inflammatory molecules induce characteristic remodeling and other changes of the airways that include goblet cell metaplasia, enhanced mucus secretion, smooth muscle hypertrophy, tissue swelling and polyp formation that account for the major clinical manifestations of nasal obstruction, headache, hyposmia, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, and, in the most severe cases of lower airway disease, death due to respiratory failure or disseminated, systemic disease. The syndromic nature of the allergic airway diseases that now include many physiological variants or endotypes suggests that distinct endogenous or environmental factors underlie their expression. However, findings from different perspectives now collectively link these disorders to a single infectious source, the fungi, and a molecular pathogenesis that involves the local production of airway proteinases by these organisms. In this review, we discuss the evidence linking fungi and their proteinases to the surprisingly wide variety of chronic airway and systemic disorders and the immune pathogenesis of these conditions as they relate to environmental fungi. We further discuss the important implications these new findings have for the diagnosis and future therapy of these common conditions.

The myriad challenges of respiratory fungal infection in cystic fibrosis

Fungal infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) is a recognized challenge, with many areas requiring further investigation. Consensus definitions exist for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillus in CF, but the full scope of clinically relevant non-allergic fungal disease in CF-asymptomatic colonization, transient or chronic infection localized to endobronchial mucus plugs or airway tissue, and invasive disease-is yet to be clearly defined. Recent advances in mycological culture and non-culture identification have expanded the list of both potential pathogens and community commensals in the lower respiratory tract. Here we aim to outline the current understanding of fungal presence in the CF respiratory tract, risk factors for acquiring fungi, host-pathogen interactions that influence the role of fungi from bystander to pathogen, advances in the diagnostic approaches to isolating and identifying fungi in CF respiratory samples, challenges of classifying clinical phenotypes of CF patients with fungi, and current treatment approaches. Development and validation of biomarkers characteristic of different fungal clinical phenotypes, and controlled trials of antifungal agents in well-characterized target populations, remain central challenges to surmount and goals to be achieved.

Fungal Pathogens in CF Airways: Leave or Treat?

Chronic airway infection plays an essential role in the progress of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. In the past decades, mainly bacterial pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have been the focus of researchers and clinicians. However, fungi are frequently detected in CF airways and there is an increasing body of evidence that fungal pathogens might play a role in CF lung disease. Several studies have shown an association of fungi, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans, with the course of lung disease in CF patients. Mechanistically, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that an impaired immune response to fungal pathogens in CF airways renders them more susceptible to fungi. However, it remains elusive whether fungi are actively involved in CF lung disease pathologies or whether they rather reflect a dysregulated airway colonization and act as microbial bystanders. A key issue for dissecting the role of fungi in CF lung disease is the distinction of dynamic fungal-host interaction entities, namely colonization, sensitization or infection. This review summarizes key findings on pathophysiological mechanisms and the clinical impact of fungi in CF lung disease.

Successful long-term terbinafine therapy in an asthmatic patient with Aspergillus sensitization and bronchiectasis

Severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) is estimated to affect ~25% of patients with poorly controlled asthma. Tri-azole therapy is effective in only 60-80% and side effects are common. We report a 25 years-old woman with severe asthma, Aspergillus sensitization and marked bronchiectasis that developed a rare Achilles-tendinopathy with both itraconazole and voriconazole. She started a trial with terbinafine as salvage therapy that led to a striking improvement and long-term control of her respiratory disease.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a pulmonary disorder that often occurs in patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis (CF) and is characterized by a hypersensitivity response to the allergens of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. In patients with CF, growth of A. fumigatus hyphae within the bronchial lumen triggers an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity response that results in airway inflammation, bronchospasm, and bronchiectasis. In most published studies, the prevalence of ABPA is about 8.9% in patients with CF. Since the clinical features of this condition overlap significantly with that of CF, ABPA is challenging to diagnose and remains underdiagnosed in many patients. Diagnosis of ABPA in CF patients should be sought in those with evidence of clinical and radiologic deterioration that is not attributable to another etiology, a markedly elevated total serum IgE level (while off steroid therapy) and evidence of A. fumigatus sensitization. Management of ABPA involves the use of systemic steroids to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response. In patients who do not respond to steroids or cannot tolerate them, antifungal agents should be used to reduce the burden of A. fumigatus allergens. Recent studies suggest that omalizumab may be an effective option to reduce the frequency of ABPA exacerbations in patients with CF. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to better establish the efficacy of omalizumab in managing patients with CF and ABPA.

Developments in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

INTRODUCTION

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex pulmonary disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, fleeting pulmonary opacities and bronchiectasis. It is the most prevalent of the Aspergillus disorders with an estimated five million cases worldwide. Despite six decades of research, the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this condition remains controversial. The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology has formed a working group to resolve the controversies around this entity. In the year 2013, this group had proposed new criteria for diagnosis and staging, and suggested a treatment protocol for the management of this disorder. Since then, several pieces of new evidence have been published in the investigation and therapeutics of this condition. Areas covered: A non-systematic review of the available literature was performed. We summarize the current evidence in the evaluation and treatment of this enigmatic disorder. We suggest modifications to the existing criteria and propose a new scoring system for the diagnosis of ABPA. Expert commentary: All patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis should routinely be screened for ABPA using A. fumigatus-specific IgE levels. Glucocorticoids should be used as the first-line of therapy in ABPA, and itraconazole reserved in those with recurrent exacerbations and glucocorticoid-dependent disease.

A pilot randomized trial of nebulized amphotericin in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Nebulized amphotericin B (NAB) has been used in the management of acute stage and exacerbations of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Whether NAB can prevent exacerbations of ABPA is not known. Herein, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of NAB in subjects with ABPA complicating asthma.

METHODS

Consecutive subjects of ABPA with recurrent exacerbations were randomized to receive either NAB plus nebulized budesonide (NEB) or NEB alone. The primary outcome was the time-to-first exacerbation of ABPA. The secondary outcomes were the number of subjects with ABPA exacerbations, ACQ7 scores, lung function, IgE levels, and adverse effects of treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-one subjects (14 men; mean age, 32.3 years) were randomized to either the NAB (n = 12) or the NEB (n = 9) arm. The baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. The time-to-first exacerbation was similar in the two groups. At one year, the numbers of patients experiencing exacerbation was significantly lower in the NAB arm (1/12 [8.3%] vs. 6/9 [66.7%]; p = 0.016). The other secondary end points were not different between the two groups. There were no major adverse events leading to discontinuation of any of the study drugs. Three patients experienced bronchospasm after first dose of NAB; however, the subsequent doses were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

NAB seems to be beneficial in decreasing the frequency of exacerbations in patients with ABPA complicating asthma. Larger trials are required to confirm our study results.

Antifungal treatment in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis with and without cystic fibrosis: a systematic review

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a rare disease that affects patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Its debilitating course has led to the search for new treatments, including antifungals and monoclonal antibodies. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of antifungal treatments in patients with ABPA and either asthma or cystic fibrosis, we performed a systematic review of the literature on the effects of antifungal agents in ABPA using three biomedical databases. Quality assessment was performed using the GRADE methodology and, where appropriate, studies with comparable outcomes were pooled for meta-analysis. Thirty-eight studies - four randomized controlled trials and 34 observational studies - met the eligibility criteria. The antifungal interventions described were itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, ketoconazole, natamycin, nystatin and amphotericin B. An improvement in symptoms, frequency of exacerbations and lung function was reported in most of the studies and was more common with oral azoles. Antifungals also had a positive impact on biomarkers and radiological pulmonary infiltrates, but adverse effects were also common. The quality of the evidence supporting these results was low or very low due to a shortage of controlled studies, heterogeneity between studies and potential bias. Antifungal interventions in ABPA improved patient and disease outcomes in both asthma and cystic fibrosis. However, the recommendation for their use is weak and clinicians should therefore weigh up desirable and undesirable effects on a case-by-case basis. More studies with a better methodology are needed, especially in cystic fibrosis, to increase confidence in the effects of antifungal treatments in ABPA.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in children

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a disease of the lungs resulting from a hypersensitivity reaction to spores of Aspergillus fumigatus. Here we report the case of a 13-year-old girl with ABPA who presented with productive cough, bronchiectasis and decline in lung function, and review the clinical features and treatment for pediatric ABPA.

Efficacy and safety of nebulised amphotericin B (NAB) in severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

Antifungal therapy for severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) remains poorly studied. We assessed the efficacy and safety of NAB as second and third line therapy in SAFS and ABPA.

METHODS

21 adult asthmatics with SAFS (n = 11) and ABPA (n = 10) who had either failed itraconazole (n = 8), voriconazole proceeded by itraconazole (n = 5) or developed adverse events (AEs) to either agent (n = 7) were treated with 10mg of NAB (Fungizone) twice daily. We audited clinical and immunological response, using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ-J) scores, asthma control, FEV1, healthcare utilisation and IgE. Patients were followed up for 12 months.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were treated (SAFS, n = 11) and (ABPA, n = 10), M: F = 8:12, median age 65 years (range, 24-78). The median duration of therapy was 30 days (0-1825). Clinical benefit was observed in three (14.3 %) in which overall mean AQLQ-J score improved by + 2.9, mean FEV1 improved by 0.5 L and there was improvement in overall asthma control. Seven (33%) failed initial dose (bronchospasm). Eleven (52.4%) discontinued within 12 months of therapy due to delayed bronchospasm (n = 3, within 4 weeks), equipment problems (n = 2, within 4 weeks) and lack of clinical benefit (n = 4, within 16 weeks).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the overall efficacy of NAB in this group of patients is poor and associated with bronchospasm. However, the excellent response in 3 patients, suggest it may be considered when other alternatives have been exhausted. Overcoming the initial bronchospasm may improve tolerability.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in asthma: epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic issues

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex pulmonary disorder caused by immunologic reactions to antigens released by Aspergillus fumigatus, a ubiquitous fungi colonizing the tracheobronchial tree of asthmatic patients. The clinical presentation is usually poorly controlled asthma, recurrent pulmonary opacities and bronchiectasis. The prevalence of ABPA in asthma clinics may be as high as 13% with a global burden of almost 5 million patients. A. fumigatus-specific IgE level is the most sensitive test in diagnosis of ABPA, and all asthmatic patients should be routinely screened with A. fumigatus-specific IgE levels for early diagnosis. The goals of managing ABPA include control of asthma, prevention and treatment of acute exacerbations, and preventing the development or progression of bronchiectasis. Glucocorticoids are the treatment of choice with itraconazole reserved for those with recurrent exacerbations and glucocorticoid-dependent disease. There is a dire need for newer treatment approaches including oral antifungal agents and immunomodulatory therapy.

Role of nebulized amphotericin B in the management of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in cystic fibrosis: Case report and review of literature

OBJECTIVES

To review the data available in literature about nebulized amphotericin B (AMB) in the treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in cystic fibrosis (CF) and to report our experience in the use of this drug, with a particular therapeutic scheme.

CASE REPORT

We used nebulized liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) in a patient affected by CF, complicated by ABPA. The previous combined treatment with oral steroids and azoles had no respiratory benefit and caused relevant side effects. Amphotericin B has always been well tolerated and permitted a slight steroid tapering. We also observed benefits in pulmonary function and laboratory tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Few data are available in literature about the use of nebulized AMB in CF and there are no RCTs evaluating antifungals in CF-ABPA. In our opinion, the reported case suggests that nebulized L-AMB could represent a possible strategy in ABPA management in CF patients.

Management of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: a review and update

Since the first description of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in the 1950s there have been numerous studies that have shed light on the characteristics and immunopathogenesis of this disease. The increased knowledge and awareness have resulted in earlier diagnosis and treatment of patients with this condition. This article aims to provide a summary and updates on ABPA by reviewing the results of recent studies on this disease with a focus on articles published within the last 5 years. A systematic search of PubMed/Medline with keywords of ABPA or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis was performed. All selected articles were reviewed with a focus on findings of articles published from December 2006 to December 2011. The relevant findings are summarized in this paper.

[Fungal infections in cystic fibrosis]

Fungal colonization in cystic fibrosis patient is frequent and dominated by Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus). Mycological analysis on specific media showed other filamentous species Scedosporium, Geosmithia argillacea. Prospective studies are necessary to appreciate prevalence and pathogenicity in this pathology. A. fumigatus causes the most frequently allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Invasive infection is exceptional in this context. An early diagnosis is important to avoid bronchial deterioration but is very difficult despite international consensus. New more specific biological markers are evaluated. Oral corticotherapy is the cornerstone of therapy but adverse effects are more frequent in cystic fibrosis. Antifungal therapy has a corticosteroid-sparing effect. New therapeutic strategies have to be evaluated.