Congestive heart failure associated with itraconazole

Cardiac Implications of Itraconazole Therapy in Histoplasmosis Patients

A male patient in his 60s, with a history of tobacco use, presented with fever, weight loss, and cough, and was ultimately diagnosed with histoplasmosis. Initial treatment with itraconazole (ITZ) led to symptom improvement. However, two months later, he returned with lower extremity swelling and dyspnea. Imaging showed pleural effusions and reduced ejection fraction, suggesting itraconazole-induced cardiac toxicity. Transition to voriconazole and initiation of guideline-directed medical therapy improved symptoms. This case report delves into the cardiac side effects of itraconazole, notably heart failure, and elucidates the potential underlying mechanisms. Our goal is to emphasize the importance of monitoring patients on itraconazole for potential cardiac complications, necessitating timely intervention to mitigate adverse outcomes.

Evaluation of the translation of multiple cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms in the anesthetized dog

The strategic and targeted use of an anesthetized canine cardiovascular model early in drug discovery enables a comprehensive cardiovascular and electrophysiological assessment of potential safety liabilities and guides compound selection prior to initiation of chronic toxicological studies. An ideal model would enable exposure-response relationships to guide safety margin calculations, have a low threshold to initiate, and have quick delivery of decision quality data. We have aimed to profile compounds with diverse mechanism of actions (MoAs) of "non-QT" cardiovascular drug effects and evaluate the ability of nonclinical in vivo cardiovascular models to detect clinically reported effects. The hemodynamic effects of 11 drugs (atropine, itraconazole, atenolol, ivabradine, milrinone, enalaprilat, fasudil, amlodipine, prazosin, amiloride, and hydrochlorothiazide) were profiled in an anesthetized dog cardiovascular model. Derived parameters included: heart rate, an index of left ventricular contractility, mean arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and cardiac output. Species specific plasma protein data was generated (human, dog) and utilized to calculate free drug concentrations. Using the anesthetized dog cardiovascular model, 10 of the 11 drugs displayed the predicted changes in CV parameters based on their primary MoAs and corresponding clinically described effects. Interestingly but not unexpected, 1 of 11 failed to display their predicted CV pattern which is likely due to a delay in pharmacodynamic effect that is beyond the duration of the experimental model (hydrochlorothiazide). The analysis from the current study supports the strategic use of the anesthetized dog model early in the drug discovery process for a comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation with good translation to human.

Antifungal Selection for the Treatment of Onychomycosis: Patient Considerations and Outcomes

Onychomycosis, a common fungal nail infection, affects >20% of adults over age 60 and >50% of people over age 70. Onychomycosis may cause pain, psychosocial problems, and secondary infections, therefore meriting treatment. This review describes the range of treatment modalities, including FDA-approved systemic drugs and topical therapies. Additionally, new and emerging oral and topical therapies are discussed. We emphasize the importance of tailoring onychomycosis therapy to individual patient characteristics, comorbidities, preferences, extent of nail involvement, and fungal species, such that physicians may optimize treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, and safety.

Cutaneous Fungal Infections in Older Adults

The population of older adults continues to increase in the United States, leading to a concomitant increase in cutaneous disease. Fungal disease, specifically, commonly affects this population but often goes undiagnosed for too long. It is therefore important that providers be aware of common fungal pathogens, recognizable symptoms of disease, and treatment options. This article discusses 3 groups of pathogens: dermatophytes, Candida species, and Pityrosporum species, all of which cause a host of conditions that can be debilitating for older adults.

Successful Treatment of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Using a Combination of Inhaled Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol and Oral Voriconazole

Systemic corticosteroids are considered to be the standard treatment for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). However, there is controversy regarding use of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy for ABPA. Here we report a case of ABPA that was successfully treated with inhaled fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI) and oral voriconazole (VRCZ). The patient was a 62-year-old Japanese man with bronchiectasis and diabetes mellitus who presented with fever, cough, and purulent sputum. Computed tomography scans of the chest showed consolidation in the left upper and lower lobes. Laboratory investigations revealed an abnormal increase in the number of eosinophils (3,340/mm³) and elevated levels of C-reactive protein (3.04 mg/dL) and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) (763 U/mL). Eight days after admission, he experienced a sudden attack of asthma. Aspergillus-precipitating antibodies were positive and Aspergillus fumigatus was detected in sputum culture. These results were consistent with a diagnosis of ABPA, and he was started on inhaled FF/VI and oral VRCZ. Systemic corticosteroids were not used because of the patient’s history of diabetes mellitus and left atrial thrombus. His symptoms and consolidation improved significantly after treatment. He has not experienced an exacerbation for more than 3 years. In mild cases of ABPA in which total IgE is relatively low, inhaled FF/VI in combination with oral VRCZ can be considered as an alternative treatment to systemic corticosteroids in patients with ABPA.

Oral itraconazole for epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: a proof of concept study

The inhibiting effects of itraconazole, an antifungal drug on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have recently been discovered. By inhibiting VEGF, itraconazole has shown potential in clinical trials as anti-cancer treatment. In hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients, VEGF levels are elevated and inhibition of VEGF can decrease bleeding. Itraconazole could potentially serve as anti-angiogenic therapy for HHT-related bleeding. We report a proof of concept study with HHT patients and severe epistaxis. Patients were treated with daily 200 mg orally administered itraconazole for sixteen weeks. Twenty-one HHT patients, 8 females (38%), 13 males (62%), median age of 59 years (interquartile range (IQR) 55-69) were enrolled. Of these patients, 13 (62%) were diagnosed with HHT type 1, seven (33%) with HHT type 2 and in one patient (5%), no pathognomonic HHT mutation was found. Four patients (19%) prematurely terminated the study (3 due to mild or moderate side-effects) resulting in 17 patients included in the analyses. The median epistaxis severity score significantly decreased during treatment from 6.0 (IQR 5.1-7.2) to 3.8 (IQR 3.1-5.2) (p = 0.006). The monthly epistaxis frequency decreased from 56 to 38 epistaxis episodes (p = 0.004) and the monthly duration from 407 to 278 minutes (p = 0.005). Hemoglobin levels did not significantly change. The quality of life showed a small but significant improvement. In conclusion, oral itraconazole significantly improved epistaxis in HHT patients. The potential benefit of itraconazole in HHT should be further investigated.

The Use of Voltage Sensitive Dye di-4-ANEPPS and Video-Based Contractility Measurements to Assess Drug Effects on Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

ABSTRACT

Because cardiotoxicity is one of the leading causes of drug failure and attrition, the design of new protocols and technologies to assess proarrhythmic risks on cardiac cells is in continuous development by different laboratories. Current methodologies use electrical, intracellular Ca2+, or contractility assays to evaluate cardiotoxicity. Increasingly, the human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are the in vitro tissue model used in commercial assays because it is believed to recapitulate many aspects of human cardiac physiology. In this work, we demonstrate that the combination of a contractility and voltage measurements, using video-based imaging and fluorescence microscopy, on hiPSC-CMs allows the investigation of mechanistic links between electrical and mechanical effects in an assay design that can address medium throughput scales necessary for drug screening, offering a view of the mechanisms underlying drug toxicity. To assess the accuracy of this novel technique, 10 commercially available inotropic drugs were tested (5 positive and 5 negative). Included were drugs with simple and specific mechanisms, such as nifedipine, Bay K8644, and blebbistatin, and others with a more complex action such as isoproterenol, pimobendan, digoxin, and amrinone, among others. In addition, the results provide a mechanism for the toxicity of itraconazole in a human model, a drug with reported side effects on the heart. The data demonstrate a strong negative inotropic effect because of the blockade of L-type Ca2+ channels and additional action on the cardiac myofilaments. We can conclude that the combination of contractility and action potential measurements can provide wider mechanistic knowledge of drug cardiotoxicity for preclinical assays.

The effect of itraconazole on the clinical outcomes of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer receiving platinum-based chemotherapy: a randomized controlled study

Itraconazole is an oral antifungal that has a been reported to have anticancer effect in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through inhibition of angiogenesis. The aim is to evaluate the effect of using itraconazole on the clinical outcome of metastatic NSCLC. This was a prospective randomized controlled open-label study conducted on 60 chemotherapy-naive metastatic NSCLC. Patients were simply randomized to either Control group who received platinum-based chemotherapy for a maximum of six cycles or Itraconazole group who received the same chemotherapy regimen in addition to itraconazole 200 mg daily for 21 days starting from day 1 in each cycle. Primary outcome was 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) while secondary outcomes included overall response rate (ORR), 1-year overall survival (OS) and tolerability. The two groups were comparable at baseline with no significant difference between groups regarding demographics and clinical characteristics. The ORR in Control group was 66.7% versus 90% in Itraconazole group (p value 0.028). There was a significant difference between groups regarding PFS where the mean 1-year PFS was 5.415 months in Control group versus 6.556 months in Itraconazole group (p value = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference between groups with respect to 1-year OS. All adverse effects reported were tolerable except for one patient who developed grade 2 cardiotoxicity in Itraconazole group requiring itraconazole discontinuation. Itraconazole use was beneficial in NSCLC in terms of 1-year PFS and ORR which was not reflected by improvement in 1-year OS.Clinical trial.gov registration number: NCT03664115, date of registration: September 10, 2018.

What is the elephant in the room when considering new therapies for fungal diseases?

The global scenario of antimicrobial resistance is alarming, and the development of new drugs has not appeared to make substantial progress. The constraints on drug discovery are due to difficulties in finding new targets for therapy, the high cost of development, and the mismatch between the time of drug introduction in a clinic and microorganism adaptation to a drug. Policies to address neglected diseases miss the broad spectrum of mycosis. Society is not aware of the actual threat represented by fungi to human health, food security, and biodiversity. The evidence discussed here is critical for warning governments to establish effective surveillance policies for fungi.HIGHLIGHTSFungal diseases are ignored even among neglected disease classifications.There are few options to treat mycoses, which is an increasing concern regarding fungal resistance to drugs, as evidenced by the spread of Candida auris.Fungal diseases represent a real threat to human health and food security.Investment in research to investigate the potential of repurposing drugs already in use could obtain results in the short term.

Safety of current therapies for onychomycosis

INTRODUCTION

Onychomycosis is the most common nail disease seen in clinical practice. Treatment options include systemic and topical therapies, as well as devices. Following clinical and mycologic diagnosis, treatment must be individualized, accounting for disease severity, infecting organism(s), comorbidities, patient characteristics and drug/device efficacy. Safety is the most important consideration in choosing the most appropriate therapeutic modality.

AREAS COVERED

This review covers currently available treatments for onychomycosis, with an emphasis on safety and tolerability. Medications and devices were analyzed for side effects, drug-drug interactions, and safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

EXPERT OPINION

Systemic antifungals offer greater efficacy for onychomycosis treatment but are limited by risks of systemic toxicity and drug-drug interactions. The risk of terbinafine-induced hepatotoxicity is negligible in healthy patients. Systemic therapies, especially azole antifungals, are associated with numerous drug-drug interactions, some of which are life-threatening and fatal. Thus, a detailed medication history is critical before prescribing these medications. Topical antifungals are well tolerated and generally safe, with only potential local side effects. Systemic and topical onychomycosis treatments should not be prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Laser therapy is likely less effective than systemic and topical therapies, but may be safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (PIP-HFrEF)

Heart failure (HF) is a chronic debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition. Heart Failure patients are usually at high risk of polypharmacy and consequently, potentially inappropriate prescribing leading to poor clinical outcomes. Based on the published literature, a comprehensive HF-specific prescribing review tool is compiled to avoid medications that may cause HF or harm HF patients and to optimize the prescribing practice of HF guideline-directed medical therapies. Recommendations are made in line with the last versions of ESC guidelines, ESC position papers, scientific evidence, and experts' opinions.

Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) Task Force against Recalcitrant Tinea (ITART) Consensus on the Management of Glabrous Tinea (INTACT)

Background and Aims:

Dermatophytosis has always been a common superficial mycosis in India. However, the past 6-7 years have seen an unprecedented increase in the number of patients affected by recurrent, chronic, recalcitrant and steroid modified dermatophytosis involving the glabrous skin (tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea faciei). Importantly, there has been a notable decrease in clinical responsiveness to commonly used antifungals given in conventional doses and durations resulting in difficult-to-treat infections. Considering that scientific data on the management of the current epidemic of dermatophytosis in India are inadequate, the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) Task force Against Recalcitrant Tinea (ITART) has formulated a consensus statement on the management of dermatophytosis in India.

Methods:

Seventeen dermatologists with a focussed interest in dermatophytosis participated in a Delphi consensus method, conducted in three rounds. They responded as either “agree” or “disagree” to 132 statements prepared by the lead experts and gave their comments. Consensus was defined as an agreement of 80% or higher concurrence. Statements on which there was no consensus were modified based on the comments and were then recirculated. The results were finally analysed in a face-to-face meeting and the responses were further evaluated. A draft of the consensus was circulated among the participants and modified based on their inputs.

Results:

Consensus was achieved on 90 of the 132 statements. Direct microscopy using potassium hydroxide mount was recommended in case of diagnostic difficulty on clinical examination. Counselling of patients about strict adherence to general measures and compliance to treatment was strongly recommended as the key to successful management of dermatophytosis. A combination of systemic and topical antifungal drugs was recommended for the treatment of glabrous tinea in the current scenario. Topical corticosteroid use, whether used alone or in combination with other components, was strongly discouraged by all the experts. It was suggested that topical antifungals may be continued for 2 weeks beyond clinical resolution. Itraconazole and terbinafine were recommended to be used as the first line options in systemic therapy, whereas griseofulvin and fluconazole are alternatives. Terbinafine was agreed to be used as a first line systemic agent in treatment naïve and terbinafine naïve patients with glabrous tinea. Regular follow-up of patients to ensure compliance and monitoring of clinical response was recommended by the experts, both during treatment and for at least 4 weeks after apparent clinical cure. Longer duration of treatment was recommended for patients with chronic, recurrent and steroid modified dermatophytosis.

Conclusion:

Consensus in the management of dermatophytosis is necessary in the face of conventional regimens proving ineffective and dearth of clinical trials re-evaluating the role of available antifungals in the wake of evolving epidemiology of the infection in the country. It needs to be backed by more research to provide the required level of evidence. It is hoped that this consensus statement improves the quality of care for patients with dermatophytosis, which has emerged as a huge public health problem, imposing considerable financial burden on the country.

The Many Faces of Itraconazole Cardiac Toxicity

Itraconazole is well known for carrying a black-box warning for new or worsening congestive heart failure. Single cases of other cardiac- and fluid-related disturbances have been reported periodically since its issuance. We describe a large cohort of patients on itraconazole experiencing a breadth of cardiac- and fluid-related toxicities, ranging from new-onset hypertension to cardiac arrest. A retrospective, single-center, large case series at a large tertiary medical center was conducted. Patients with itraconazole and cardiac toxicity—including hypertension, cardiomyopathy, reduced ejection fraction, and edema—in medical record between January 1, 1999, and May 21, 2019, were identified and assigned a Naranjo score; 31 patients were included with a Naranjo score of 5 or higher. There were slightly more male subjects than female subjects, average age was 66, and all subjects were Caucasian. Median time until presentation of adverse effects was 4 weeks (range: 0.3 to 104 weeks). Most common symptom was edema (74% of patients), followed by heart failure without and with preserved ejection fraction (19.4% and 22.6% of patients, respectively). Worsening or new hypertension was also common (25.8% of patients). Rarer were pulmonary edema, pericardial effusion, and cardiac arrest that occurred in 1 patient. In most cases, clinicians stopped itraconazole (74%) or decreased itraconazole dose (19%), resulting in improvement or resolution of symptoms. In 4 cases, the adverse effect did not resolve. Itraconazole can cause a range of possible serious cardiac and fluid-associated adverse events. Dose decrease or cessation usually resulted in symptomatic improvement or reversal.

A Case of Pulmonary Histoplasmosis Presenting with Hypercalcemia and Altered Mental Status in a Patient Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Patient: Male, 75-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Pulmonary histoplasmosis

Symptoms: Altered mental status • cough • shortness of breath

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Pulmonology

Treatment of Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis is a common fungal infection of the hair of the scalp affecting predominately prepubertal children. In the US, griseofulvin has been considered a first-line therapy agent for tinea capitis since the 1960s. However, it has been falling out of favor due to significant treatment failure, high cost, and long duration of treatment. Other antifungal agents have been researched as an alternative to griseofulvin. This paper will review the relevant pharmacologic properties, dosing, cost, efficacy, and adverse events profile for griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole, and some adjuvant therapy options such as selenium sulfide shampoos and topical ketoconazole.

Tolerability profile of the current antifungal armoury

The tolerability of available antifungal agents is essential to the final outcome of the management of invasive mycoses. There are limited classes of antifungal agents for use, and they can have serious direct toxicities and/or drug-drug interactions. In this review, we examine the common toxicities noted for antifungal agents and attempt to both identify the issues around the adverse events and provide clinical context for their occurrence in these fragile patients.

Treatment of onychomycosis using a 1064-nm diode laser with or without topical antifungal therapy: a single-center, retrospective analysis in 56 patients

Background

Currently available treatment options for onychomycosis such as topical and systemic antifungals are often of limited efficacy, difficult to administer or associated with relevant side effects. Non-ablative laser therapy is proposed to represent a safe alternative without the disadvantages of drugs. Yet, to date, the efficacy of laser therapy for onychomycosis is discussed controversially. Against this background, we performed a systematic retrospective analysis of our clinical experience of 4 years of onychomycosis treatment applying a long-pulsed 1.064-nm diode laser.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the records of 56 patients with microscopic and culturally proven onychomycosis affecting a toenail of the hallux and other toes, who had been treated with a long-pulsed 1.064-nm diode laser (FOX, A.C.R. Laser GmbH, Nuremberg) during the time period of July 2013–December 2016 with or without concomitant topical antifungals. Thereof, 27 patients received laser treatment and 29 patients received laser treatment in combination with local antifungals. We conducted a mean of 3.9 laser treatments at 2–6-week intervals. The primary endpoint of our analysis was clinical improvement; secondary endpoints were complete remission of fungal pathogens in fungal culture and in microscopy.

Results

Clinical improvement was achieved in 56% of patients treated with laser only after a mean of 4.5 treatments and in 69% of patients treated with laser in combination with topical antifungals after a mean of 3.6 treatments. Cultural healing was detected in 63% of patients treated with laser only after a mean of 5.4 treatments, vs. 86% of patients treated with laser and concomitant topical antifungals after a mean of 4.8 treatments. Microscopic healing (complete healing) with the absence of fungal pathogens was achieved in 11% of patients after a mean of 4.7 treatments with laser only, vs. 21% of patients treated with laser and concomitant topical antifungals after a mean of 4 treatments. No relevant adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions

The 1.064-nm diode laser is an effective and safe option for the treatment of onychomycosis. Of note, the combination with topical antifungals will increase overall treatment efficacy and reduce the time to healing. Particularly, patients with contraindications against systemic antifungals may benefit from this multimodal therapeutic approach. Our data, moreover, suggest that treatment efficacy is positively correlated with the total number of laser treatments.

Efficacy, safety, and comparison of sonic hedgehog inhibitors in basal cell carcinomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sonic hedgehog inhibitors (SHHis) provide an additional treatment option for basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), especially for metastatic or locally advanced BCC. However, studies have been heterogeneous and lacked direct comparisons between molecules.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy and safety of the class of molecules SHHi for treating BCC and to compare them individually.

METHODS

We performed a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)-compliant systematic review of studies followed by a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles were included in our meta-analysis; 16 articles were combined for efficacy and 16 for safety. In locally advanced BCC, overall response rates (ORRs) were similar for vismodegib and sonidegib (69% vs 57%, respectively) but not complete response rates (31% vs 3%, respectively). In metastatic disease, the ORR of vismodegib was 2.7-fold higher than the ORR of sonidegib (39% vs 15%, respectively). For side effects affecting a majority of patients, prevalences for muscle spasms (67.1%), dysgeusia (54.1%), and alopecia (57.7%) were in similar proportions for sonidegib and vismodegib. Patients receiving sonidegib experienced more upper gastrointestinal distress than patients receiving vismodegib.

CONCLUSION

SHHis induce a partial response to locally advanced BCC disease. Side effects are common, similar across molecules, associated with high discontinuation rates, and warrant discussion beforehand.

Pharmacokinetics of antifungal drugs: practical implications for optimized treatment of patients

Introduction

Because of the high mortality of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), appropriate exposure to antifungals appears to be crucial for therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Materials and methods

This review summarises published pharmacokinetic data on systemically administered antifungals focusing on co-morbidities, target-site penetration, and combination antifungal therapy.

Conclusions and discussion

Amphotericin B is eliminated unchanged via urine and faeces. Flucytosine and fluconazole display low protein binding and are eliminated by the kidney. Itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole are metabolised in the liver. Azoles are substrates and inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes and are therefore involved in numerous drug–drug interactions. Anidulafungin is spontaneously degraded in the plasma. Caspofungin and micafungin undergo enzymatic metabolism in the liver, which is independent of CYP. Although several drug–drug interactions occur during caspofungin and micafungin treatment, echinocandins display a lower potential for drug–drug interactions. Flucytosine and azoles penetrate into most of relevant tissues. Amphotericin B accumulates in the liver and in the spleen. Its concentrations in lung and kidney are intermediate and relatively low myocardium and brain. Tissue distribution of echinocandins is similar to that of amphotericin. Combination antifungal therapy is established for cryptococcosis but controversial in other IFIs such as invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis.

Clinical Manifestations and Treatment of Blastomycosis

The causal agents of blastomycosis, Blastomyces dermatitidis and Blastomyces gilchristii, belong to a group of thermally dimorphic fungi that can infect healthy and immunocompromised individuals. Following inhalation of mycelial fragments and spores into the lungs, Blastomyces spp convert into pathogenic yeast and evade host immune defenses to cause pneumonia and disseminated disease. The clinical spectrum of pulmonary blastomycosis is diverse. The diagnosis of blastomycosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion and involves culture-based and non-culture-based fungal diagnostic tests. The site and severity of infection, and the presence of underlying immunosuppression or pregnancy, influence the selection of antifungal therapy.

Cardiotoxicity with Itraconazole

Itraconazole is a commonly used antifungal drug. In addition to commonly described adverse effects, there have been few reports of heart failure with its use. We present two cases that developed acute systolic heart failure with Itraconazole use. A man in his early 30s was admitted with worsening leg swelling and dyspnoea on exertion. He had been on Itraconazole for blastomyces skin ulcer. His ejection fraction (EF) was found to be 10%-15%. Another man in his 50s was admitted with similar symptoms; his EF was 40%-45%. He had been on Itraconazole for forearm cellulitis. No other aetiology was identified in both patients despite extensive work-up including cardiac catheterisation. Itraconazole was stopped in both the cases. Our first patient did not improve even months after cessation of therapy and was referred for heart transplant. Our second patient improved after a few weeks, and his ejection fraction had improved on repeat testing.

Heart failure induced by itraconazole

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Itraconazole is an antifungal imidazole used for the treatment of aspergillosis. Evidence supporting the association between itraconazole and the onset of congestive heart failure (CHF) is limited and is based on cases reported after drug market release.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 76-year-old man with hypertension and COPD GOLD D who experienced heart failure after receiving a new line of treatment with itraconazole. The patient's symptoms resolved completely after the drug's withdrawal and initiation of treatment with diuretic therapy. Using validated algorithms, we concluded that there was a probable association between itraconazole and the onset of CHF.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between the administration of itraconazole and the onset of CHF is difficult to prove. Further observational studies are needed to assess this association. However, based on the available evidence, we should consider this possible adverse effect and even contraindicate this treatment in patients with a structural heart disease.

Drugs That May Cause or Exacerbate Heart Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Heart failure is a common, costly, and debilitating syndrome that is associated with a highly complex drug regimen, a large number of comorbidities, and a large and often disparate number of healthcare providers. All of these factors conspire to increase the risk of heart failure exacerbation by direct myocardial toxicity, drug-drug interactions, or both. This scientific statement is designed to serve as a comprehensive and accessible source of drugs that may cause or exacerbate heart failure to assist healthcare providers in improving the quality of care for these patients.

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis-Where Are We? and Where Are We Going?

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is estimated to affect 3 million people worldwide making it an under recognised, but significant health problem across the globe, conferring significant morbidity and mortality. With variable disease forms, high levels of associated respiratory co-morbidity, limited therapeutic options and prolonged treatment strategies, CPA is a challenging disease for both patients and healthcare professionals. CPA can mimic smear-negative tuberculosis (TB), pulmonary histoplasmosis or coccidioidomycosis. Cultures for Aspergillus are usually negative, however, the detection of Aspergillus IgG is a simple and sensitive test widely used in diagnosis. When a fungal ball/aspergilloma is visible radiologically, the diagnosis has been made late. Sometimes weight loss and fatigue are predominant symptoms; pyrexia is rare. Despite the efforts of the mycology community, and significant strides being taken in optimising the care of these patients, much remains to be learnt about this patient population, the disease itself and the best use of available therapies, with the development of new therapies being a key priority. Here, current knowledge and practices are reviewed, and areas of research priority highlighted.

Association of systolic blood pressure drop with intravenous administration of itraconazole in children with hemato-oncologic disease

Purpose

Although few adverse effects have been reported for itraconazole, a widely used antifungal therapy for febrile neutropenia, we found intravenous (IV) itraconazole to be associated with serious cases of blood pressure (BP) drop. We therefore evaluated the incidence and risk factors for BP drop during IV administration of the drug.

Materials and methods

We reviewed the medical records of children with hemato-oncologic disease who were treated with IV itraconazole from January 2012 to December 2013. By analyzing systolic BP (SBP) measurements made from 4 hours before through to 4 hours after itraconazole administration, we evaluated the changes in SBP and the risk factors for an SBP drop, especially clinically meaningful (≥20%) drops.

Results

Itraconazole was administered 2,627 times to 180 patients. The SBP during the 4 hours following itraconazole administration was lower than during the 4 hours before administration (104 [53.0–160.33 mmHg] versus 105 [59.8–148.3 mmHg]; P<0.001). The decrease in SBP was associated with the application of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (P=0.012) and the use of inotropic (P=0.005) and hypotensive drugs (P=0.021). A clinically meaningful SBP drop was seen in 5.37% (141 out of 2,627) of the administrations, and the use of inotropics (odds ratio [OR] 6.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.22–13.92; P<0.001), reducing the dose of inotropics (OR 8.08; 95% CI 1.39–46.94; P=0.02), CRRT (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.41–6.81; P=0.005), and bacteremia (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.32–5.51; P=0.007) were risk factors, while age was a protective factor (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.97; P<0.001).

Conclusion

A decrease in SBP was associated with IV administration of itraconazole. It was particularly significant in younger patients with bacteremia using inotropic agents and during application of CRRT. Careful attention to hypotension is warranted during IV administration of itraconazole in this group of patients.

Antifungals in severe asthma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite guideline-based treatment, many patients with severe asthma continue to have uncontrolled disease. Fungal allergy is being increasingly recognized in the pathogenesis of severe asthma. Limited data exist on the approach to treatment of fungal asthma. This review summarizes existing evidence on the use of antifungal agents in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS), and highlights needed areas of future investigation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies evaluating oral triazole therapy in ABPA appear to support triazole use in a carefully considered clinical setting, whereas studies assessing triazole use in SAFS have yielded mixed results. Despite early encouraging findings that oral triazole use may improve asthma symptoms, stabilize lung function, decrease inhaled and systemic corticosteroid requirements, and alter serum biomarkers, overall data are limited. Appropriate patient selection, as well as choice of the optimal drug, dose, frequency, and duration of therapy, remains poorly defined.

SUMMARY

The role of antifungal therapy in severe asthma remains unclear. Early studies have suggested a possible benefit of some antifungal agents, such as oral triazoles in ABPA and SAFS; however, routine clinical use of these agents in severe asthma without ABPA is not currently recommended. Further research is needed to better delineate the potential utility of antifungal medications in severe asthma and identify the asthma populations who benefit from such treatment.

Cutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Exophiala attenuata in a Domestic Cat

A 7-year-old female-spayed, domestic short-haired cat was presented to her veterinarian with a mass on the hind paw. Histopathologic examination of a tissue biopsy revealed nodular pyogranulomatous panniculitis with intralesional pigmented fungal hyphae. A dematiaceous fungal isolate was isolated with a micromorphological phenotype consistent with the anamorphic genus Exophiala: budding cells, torulose mycelium and annellidic conidiogenesis from simple conidiophores consisting of terminal and lateral cells that tapered to a short beak at the apex. Sequence homology of the internal transcribed spacer region of the rDNA gene confirmed the identification of the isolate as Exophialaattenuata. Reported here is the first confirmed case of feline phaeohyphomycosis caused by E. attenuata in North America. Similar to historical cases of feline phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala spp., there was no history or postmortem evidence to suggest the patient was in an immunocompromised state (e.g., suffering from FeLV or FIV). Although aggressive surgical excision of local lesions is recommended prior to drug treatment when dealing with subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, surgery followed by itraconazole treatment did not resolve the E. attenuata infection in this cat.

The evaluation of drug-induced changes in cardiac inotropy in dogs: Results from a HESI-sponsored consortium

INTRODUCTION

Drug-induced effects on the cardiovascular system remain a major cause of drug attrition. While hemodynamic (blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR)) and electrophysiological methods have been used in testing drug safety for years, animal models for assessing myocardial contractility are used less frequently and their translation to humans has not been established. The goal of these studies was to determine whether assessment of contractility and hemodynamics, when measured across different laboratories using the same protocol, could consistently detect drug-induced changes in the inotropic state of the heart using drugs known to have clinically relevant positive and negative effects on myocardial contractility.

METHODS

A 4×4 double Latin square design (n=8) design using Beagle dogs was developed. Drugs were administrated orally. Arterial blood pressure, left ventricular pressure (LVP) and the electrocardiogram were assessed. Each of the six laboratories studied at least 2 drugs (one positive inotrope (pimobendan or amrinone) and one negative inotrope) (itraconazole or atenolol) at 3 doses selected to match clinical exposure data and a vehicle control. Animals were instrumented with an ITS telemetry system, DSI's D70-PCTP system or DSI's Physiotel Digital system. Data acquisition and analysis systems were Ponemah, Notocord or EMKA.

RESULTS

Derived parameters included: diastolic, systolic and mean arterial BP, peak systolic LVP, HR, end-diastolic LVP, and LVdP/dtmax as the primary contractility index. Blood samples were drawn to confirm drug exposures predicted from independent pharmacokinetic studies. Across the laboratories, a consistent change in LVdP/dtmax was captured despite some differences in the absolute values of some of the hemodynamic parameters prior to treatment.

DISCUSSION

These findings indicate that this experimental model, using the chronically instrumented conscious dog, can accurately and consistently detect changes in cardiac contractility, across multiple sites and instrumentation systems, and that data obtained in this model may also translate to clinical outcomes.

Management of Onychomycosis in Canada in 2014

Background

Onychomycosis has several clinical presentations and is caused by various infectious organisms.

Objective

To provide guidance for selection of appropriate treatment.

Methods

The literature on onychomycosis management was reviewed to generate an evidence-based decision tree.

Results and Conclusion

Several options are available: terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole, ciclopirox 8% nail lacquer, efinaconazole 10% nail solution, and laser therapy. Further studies on lasers are needed before use can be recommended. Nondermatophyte molds or mixed infection can be managed with terbinafine or itraconazole with or without topicals. Itraconazole, fluconazole, and efinaconazole can be used for Candida infection. For dermatophytes, topicals can be considered for mild to moderate onychomycosis. For moderate to severe cases, any oral monotherapy can be used; however, we suggest terbinafine if there is a possibility of a drug interaction. These recommendations can be applied for all ages, immune function, or metabolic status, but proper monitoring and contraindications should be taken into consideration.

Therapeutic drug monitoring for triazoles: A needs assessment review and recommendations from a Canadian perspective

Invasive fungal infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients with concomitant underlying immunosuppressive diseases. The recent addition of new triazoles to the antifungal armamentarium has allowed for extended-spectrum activity and flexibility of administration. Over the years, clinical use has raised concerns about the degree of drug exposure following standard approved drug dosing, questioning the need for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Accordingly, the present guidelines focus on TDM of triazole antifungal agents. A review of the rationale for triazole TDM, the targeted patient populations and available laboratory methods, as well as practical recommendations based on current evidence from an extended literature review are provided in the present document.

Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy associated with amphotericin B therapy

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Amphotericin B (AmB) is commonly used to treat a broad spectrum of fungal infections and leishmaniasis. Its use is limited by numerous adverse effects. Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy associated with AmB is a rare disorder with only four previously reported cases, and all of them referring to patients who presented with a predisposing factor for heart failure.

CASE SUMMARY

A previously healthy 45-year-old man with visceral leishmaniasis treated with AmB developed acute dilated cardiomyopathy. Other causes of heart failure as well-known predisposing factors for this condition were ruled out. As with previously reported cases, the cardiac function of our patient returned to normal shortly after.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

We describe the first case of dilated cardiomyopathy associated with the administration of AmB in a patient without any known predisposing factor for developing cardiac dysfunction. Available evidence suggests that AmB may induce cardiotoxicity. Further investigations are needed to clarify this issue.

Routine versus selective antifungal administration for control of fungal infections in patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Systemic fungal infection is considered to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, particularly those with neutropenia. Antifungal drugs are often given prophylactically, or empirically to patients with persistent fever.

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether commonly used antifungal drugs decrease mortality in cancer patients with neutropenia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched PubMed from 1966 to 7 July 2014 and the reference lists of identified articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised clinical trials of amphotericin B, fluconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, itraconazole or voriconazole compared with placebo or no treatment in cancer patients with neutropenia.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and abstracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-two trials involving 4287 patients were included. Prophylactic or empirical treatment with amphotericin B significantly decreased total mortality (relative risk (RR) 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 0.96), whereas the estimated RRs for fluconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and itraconazole were close to 1.00. No eligible trials were found with voriconazole. Amphotericin B and fluconazole decreased mortality ascribed to fungal infection (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.76 and RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.73, respectively). The incidence of invasive fungal infection decreased significantly with administration of amphotericin B (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.73), fluconazole (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.57) and itraconazole (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.97), but not with ketoconazole or miconazole. Effect estimates were similar for those 13 trials that had adequate allocation concealment and were blinded. The reporting of harms was far too variable from trial to trial to allow a meaningful overview. For the 2011 and 2014 updates no additional trials were identified for inclusion.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous amphotericin B was the only antifungal agent that reduced total mortality. It should therefore be preferred when prophylactic or empirical antifungal therapy is introduced in cancer patients with neutropenia.

Tissue penetration of antifungal agents

Understanding the tissue penetration of systemically administered antifungal agents is critical for a proper appreciation of their antifungal efficacy in animals and humans. Both the time course of an antifungal drug and its absolute concentrations within tissues may differ significantly from those observed in the bloodstream. In addition, tissue concentrations must also be interpreted within the context of the pathogenesis of the various invasive fungal infections, which differ significantly. There are major technical obstacles to the estimation of concentrations of antifungal agents in various tissue subcompartments, yet these agents, even those within the same class, may exhibit markedly different tissue distributions. This review explores these issues and provides a summary of tissue concentrations of 11 currently licensed systemic antifungal agents. It also explores the therapeutic implications of their distribution at various sites of infection.

[Itraconazole: a new drug-related cause of hypertension]

Itraconazole is a triazole agent used in the treatment of fungal infections and in some metastatic cancers. Its use has been associated with cardiovascular adverse events and particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. We report the case of a 68-year-old male patient with a well-controlled hypertension treated with irbesartan 150mg/day since 2007. He developed a pulmonary aspergillosis on post-tuberculosis cavitary lesions treated in July 2011 with itraconazole 200mg/day. Early 2012, his antihypertensive treatment had to be gradually increased to a quadritherapy and his blood pressure was at 157/78mmHg at home. Hypokalemia was observed on several occasions as well as edema of the lower limbs. Plasma renin and plasma and urine aldosterone concentrations on treatment not interfering with the renin angiotensin system were low, associated with normal serum and urine cortisol, ACTH, SDHA and DOC, BNP and creatinine concentrations. Plasma itraconazole values were much above the therapeutic range. Left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved. There were no adrenal or renal artery abnormalities at the CT scan. Three months after stopping itraconazole, hypokalemia and edema disappeared and blood pressure was normalized with less treatment. Plasma renin and aldosterone concentrations were normalized. He had a pulmonary lobectomy for his pulmonary aspergillosis. Itraconazole may induce a resistant hypertension with low renin. The mechanisms of this adverse effect of itraconazole remain unknown.

Heart failure induced by itraconazole

Itraconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent. It rarely leads to adverse the cardiovascular effects, especially heart failure. We present here a case of a 60-year-old female patient with itraconazole induced heart failure.