Development of a therapeutic drug-monitoring algorithm for outpatients receiving voriconazole: A multicentre retrospective study

AIMS

Although therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of voriconazole is performed in outpatients to prevent treatment failure and toxicity, whether TDM should be performed in all or only selected patients remains controversial. This study evaluated the association between voriconazole trough concentrations and clinical events.

METHODS

We investigated the aggravation of clinical symptoms, incidence of hepatotoxicity and visual disturbances, change in co-medications and interaction between voriconazole and co-medications in outpatients receiving voriconazole between 2017 and 2021 in three facilities. Abnormal trough concentrations were defined as <1.0 mg/L (low group) and >4.0 mg/L (high group).

RESULTS

A total of 141 outpatients (578 concentration measurements) met the inclusion criteria (treatment, 37 patients, 131 values; prophylaxis, 104 patients, 447 values). The percentages of patients with abnormal concentrations were 29.0% and 31.5% in the treatment and prophylaxis groups, respectively. Abnormal concentrations showed 50% of the concentrations at the first measurement in both therapies. Aggravation of clinical symptoms was most frequently observed in the low treatment group (18.2%). Adverse events were most common in the high group for both therapies (treatment, hepatotoxicity 6.3%, visual disturbance 18.8%; prophylaxis, hepatotoxicity 27.9%). No differences were found in changes to co-medications and drug interactions. In the prophylaxis group, prescription duration in the presence of clinical events tended to be longer than in their absence (47.4 ± 23.4 days vs 39.7 ± 21.9 days, P = .1132).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed an algorithm based on clinical events for appropriate implementation of TDM in outpatients. However, future interventions based on this algorithm should be validated.

Combined impact of hypoalbuminemia and pharmacogenomic variants on voriconazole trough concentration: data from a real-life clinical setting in the Chinese population

Voriconazole (VRC) displays highly variable pharmacokinetics impacting treatment efficacy and safety. To provide evidence for optimizing VRC therapy regimens, the authors set out to determine the factors impacting VRC steady-state trough concentration (Cmin) in patients with various albumin (Alb) level. A total of 275 blood samples of 120 patients and their clinical characteristics and genotypes of CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP2C9, FMO3, ABCB1, POR, NR1I2 and NR1I3 were included in this study. Results of multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that C-reactive protein (CRP) and total bilirubin (T-Bil) were predictors of the VRC Cmin adjusted for dose in patients with hypoalbuminemia (Alb < 35 g/L) (R2 = 0.16, P < 0.001). Additionally, in patients with normal albumin level (Alb ≥ 35 g/L), it resulted in a significant model containing factors of the poor metabolizer (PM) CYP2C19 genotype and CRP level (R2 = 0.26, P < 0.001). Therefore, CRP and T-Bil levels ought to receive greater consideration than genetic factors in patients with hypoalbuminemia.

Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Voriconazole for Injection in Two Preparations in Chinese Healthy Adult Volunteers

Voriconazole is a second-generation, synthetic, triazole antifungal drug based on the structure of fluconazole. We compared the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of voriconazole for injection (200 mg) manufactured by at a dose of 6 mg/kg in Chinese healthy adult volunteers. This was a single-center, randomized, open, 2-preparation, single-dose, 2-period, 2-sequence, crossover bioequivalence clinical trial. Twenty-four eligible, healthy, male, and female volunteers were assigned randomly to one of 2 dose-sequence groups (test-reference group or reference-test group) in a 1:1 block. The voriconazole concentration in plasma was determined by protein precipitation and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The main PK parameters were calculated on the basis of a noncompartmental model. The ratio of the geometric mean of the maximum plasma drug concentration, area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to the last time of quantifiable concentration, and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity of the test preparation, and the reference preparation was 100.4%, 102%, and 102.2%, respectively. The 90% confidence intervals were between 80% and 125%, indicating that the 2 preparations were bioequivalent. The adverse events experienced by healthy adult volunteers were mild. Both preparations had a good safety profile.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Voriconazole in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Voriconazole pharmacokinetics are highly variable in pediatric patients, and the optimal dosage has yet to be determined. The purpose of this study was to describe voriconazole pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic targets achieved and evaluate the efficacy and safety of voriconazole for critically ill pediatrics.

METHODS

This is a single-center retrospective study conducted at a pediatric intensive care unit at a tertiary/quaternary hospital. Pediatrics admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit and who received voriconazole for a proven or suspected fungal infection with at least one measured trough concentration were included. The primary outcomes included the percentage of pediatric patients who achieved the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic targets. Secondary outcomes included assessing the correlation between voriconazole trough concentrations and clinical/microbiological outcomes. All statistical analyses were performed using the R statistical software and Microsoft Excel. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the predictors of both clinical and microbiologic cures. Multiple linear regression was used to determine significant factors associated with trough concentrations.

RESULTS

A total of 129 voriconazole trough concentrations were measured from 71 participants at steady state after at least three doses of voriconazole. The mean (± standard deviation) of the first and second trough concentrations were 2.9 (4.2) and 2.3 (3.3) mg/L, respectively. Among the first trough concentrations, only 33.8% were within the therapeutic range (1-5 mg/L), 46.5% were below the therapeutic range, and 19.7% were above the therapeutic range. A clinical cure occurred in 78% of patients, while a microbiologic cure occurred in 80% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Voriconazole trough concentrations vary widely in critically ill pediatric patients and only a third of the patients achieved therapeutic concentrations with initial doses.

Construction of a Prediction Model for Voriconazole-Induced Hepatotoxicity Based on Mixed-Effects Random Forest

Voriconazole is a second-generation triazole antifungal agent with strong antifungal activity against a variety of clinically significant pathogens. Controlling blood concentrations within guideline limits through blood concentration monitoring can reduce the probability of hepatotoxicity in patients with voriconazole. However, statistical analysis based on real-world data found that there were still several patients who had blood concentration monitoring developed voriconazole induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, it has important clinical significance to predict whether hepatotoxicity will occur in patients who meet the guidelines for voriconazole plasma concentration requirements. In this study, based on real-world data, the mixed-effects random forest was used to analyze the electronic medical record data of patients who met the guidelines for voriconazole blood concentration requirements during hospitalization, and a predictive model was constructed to predict whether patients would develop hepatotoxicity within 30 days after using voriconazole.

Voriconazole-induced periostitis in a patient with HIV treated for coccidioidomycosis meningitis

Voriconazole-induced periostitis is a rare adverse effect in patients on long-term therapy, characterised by periosteal inflammation and associated bony pain. The accompanying lab abnormalities (elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and fluoride) and characteristic imaging findings (uptake of radionuclide tracer on nuclear bone scan) are critical for diagnosis. The disease process is thought to be secondary to excess fluoride from voriconazole which stimulates bone formation and decreases osteoclast bone resorption. Management includes stopping voriconazole and switching to another agent.

Characterization and real-live results of nebulized voriconazole: A single-center observational study

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary administration of voriconazole involves advantages, including optimization of lung penetration and reduction of adverse effects and interactions. However, there is scarce evidence about its use and there are no commercial presentations for nebulization. We aim to characterize a compounded voriconazole solution for nebulization and describe its use in our center.

METHOD

This is a retrospective observational study including patients who received nebulized voriconazole to treat fungal lung diseases (infection or colonization). Voriconazole solution was prepared from commercial vials for intravenous administration.

RESULTS

The pH and osmolarity of voriconazole solutions were adequate for nebulization. Ten patients were included, nine adults and a child. The dosage was 40 mg in adults and 10 mg in the pediatric patient, diluted to a final concentration of 10 mg/ml, administered every 12-24 hours. The median duration of treatment was 139 (range: 26-911) days. There were no reported adverse effects and the drug was not detected in plasma when nebulized only.

CONCLUSION

Voriconazole nebulization is well tolerated and it is not absorbed into the systemic circulation; further research is needed to assess its efficacy.

Enhancing the identification of voriconazole-associated hepatotoxicity by targeted metabolomics

Voriconazole-associated hepatotoxicity is a common condition that generally manifests as elevated liver enzymes and can lead to drug discontinuation. Careful monitoring of voriconazole-associated hepatotoxicity is needed but there are no specific plasma biomarkers for this condition. Metabolomics has emerged as a promising technique for investigating biomarkers associated with drug-induced toxicity. The aim of this study was to use targeted metabolomics to evaluate seven endogenous metabolites as potential biomarkers of voriconazole-associated hepatotoxicity. Patients undergoing therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole were classified into a hepatotoxicity group (18 patients) or a control group (153 patients). Plasma samples were analysed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Metabolite concentrations in the two groups were compared. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves generated from logistic regressions were used to correlate the concentrations of these seven metabolites with voriconazole trough concentrations and conventional liver biochemistry tests. Glycocholate and α-ketoglutarate levels were significantly higher in the hepatotoxicity group compared with the control group (false discovery rate-corrected P < 0.001 and P = 0.024, respectively). The metabolites glycocholate (AUROC = 0.795) and α-ketoglutarate (AUROC = 0.696) outperformed voriconazole trough concentrations (AUROC = 0.555) and approached the performance of alkaline phosphatase (AUROC = 0.876) and total bilirubin (AUROC = 0.815). A panel of glycocholate combined with voriconazole trough concentrations (AUROC = 0.827) substantially improved the performance of voriconazole trough concentrations alone in predicting hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, the panel integrating glycocholate with voriconazole trough concentrations has great potential for identifying voriconazole-associated hepatotoxicity.

Characterization and real-live results of nebulized voriconazole: A single-center observational study

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary administration of voriconazole involves advantages, including optimization of lung penetration and reduction of adverse effects and interactions. However, there is scarce evidence about its use and there are no commercial presentations for nebulization. We aim to characterize a compounded voriconazole solution for nebulization and describe its use in our center.

METHOD

This is a retrospective observational study including patients who received nebulized voriconazole to treat fungal lung diseases (infection or colonization). Voriconazole solution was prepared from commercial vials for intravenous administration.

RESULTS

The pH and osmolarity of voriconazole solutions were adequate for nebulization. Ten patients were included, 9 adults and a child. The dosage was 40 mg in adults and 10 mg in the pediatric patient, diluted to a final concentration of 10 mg/ml, administered every 12-24 h. The median duration of treatment was 139 (range: 26-911) days. There were no reported adverse effects and the drug was not detected in plasma when nebulized only.

CONCLUSION

Voriconazole nebulization is well-tolerated and it is not absorbed into the systemic circulation; further research is needed to assess its efficacy.

Efficacy and safety of voriconazole in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with liver failure: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a common clinical type of liver failure, and patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure are prone to fungal infections, especially the increasing incidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Voriconazole is recommended as the first-line antifungal agent in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis; however, no recommendation has been given for patients with severe liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh C) and liver failure. This trial aims to examine the therapeutic effects and safety of voriconazole in the treatment of IPA in patients with liver failure.

METHODS

This study is a non-double-blind randomized controlled trial. The 96 eligible acute-on-chronic liver failure patients complicated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis will be randomly assigned to receive either the optimized voriconazole regimen or the recommended voriconazole regimen for patients with mild to moderate liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A and B), at a 1:1 ratio, with an 8-week follow-up period. The antifungal efficacy of voriconazole will be the primary outcome measure. Plasma voriconazole trough concentration, the laboratory examination (CRP, PCT, ESR, etc.), chest CT, adverse events, and mortality at week 4 and 8 will be the secondary outcome measures.

DISCUSSION

This trial aims to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of voriconazole in the treatment of IPA in patients with liver failure, which is expected to provide a reference for scientific optimization of voriconazole regimens and a realistic basis for the standardized treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure patients complicated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100048259. Registered on 5 July 2021.

Optimal timing for therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole to prevent adverse effects in Japanese patients

BACKGROUND

The optimal timing for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of voriconazole in Asians, who have higher rates of poor metabolisers than non-Asians, is unclear. This can cause unexpectedly high concentrations and delays in reaching steady-state levels.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the appropriate timing of TDM in Japanese patients receiving voriconazole.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Trough levels (Cmin ) were measured on days 3-5 (recommended timing, RT) and days 6-14 (delayed timing, DT) after starting voriconazole in patients receiving an appropriate dosage. Considering bioavailability, Cmin was only compared in patients receiving oral voriconazole.

RESULTS

A total of 289 and 186 patients were included in the safety and pharmacokinetic analyses, respectively. There was a significant difference in Cmin measured no later than and after day 5 (3.59 ± 2.12 [RT] vs. 4.77 ± 3.88 μg/mL [DT], p = .023), whereas no significant difference was observed on cutoff day 6 (3.91 ± 2.60 vs. 4.40 ± 3.94 μg/mL, p = .465), suggesting that Cmin close to the steady-state was achieved after day 5. DT causes a delay in achieving the therapeutic range. The hepatotoxicity rates were 21.5% and 36.8% in the RT and DT groups, respectively (p = .004); DT was an independent risk factor for hepatotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

Although steady-state concentrations may not be achieved by day 5, early dose optimisation using RT can prevent hepatotoxicity in Japanese patients. TDM should be performed on days 3-5 to ensure safety. However, subsequent TDM may be necessary due to a possible further increase in Cmin .

Voriconazole plasma concentrations and dosing in paediatric patients below 24 months of age

Voriconazole (VCZ) is an important first-line option for management of invasive fungal diseases and approved in paediatric patients ≥24 months at distinct dosing schedules that consider different developmental stages. Information on dosing and exposures in children <24 months of age is scarce. Here we report our experience in children <24 months who received VCZ due to the lack of alternative treatment options. This retrospective analysis includes 50 distinct treatment episodes in 17 immunocompromised children aged between 3 and <24 months, who received VCZ between 2004 and 2022 as prophylaxis (14 patients; 47 episodes) or as empirical treatment (3 patients; 3 episodes) by mouth (46 episodes) or intravenously (4 episodes) based on contraindications, intolerance or lack of alternative options. Trough concentrations were measured as clinically indicated, and tolerability was assessed based on hepatic function parameters and discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs). VCZ was administered for a median duration of 10 days (range: 1-138). Intravenous doses ranged from 4.9 to 7.0 mg/kg (median: 6.5) twice daily, and oral doses from 3.8 to 29 mg/kg (median: 9.5) twice daily, respectively. The median trough concentration was 0.63 mg/L (range: 0.01-16.2; 38 samples). Only 34.2% of samples were in the recommended target range of 1-6 mg/L; 57.9% had lower and 7.9% higher trough concentrations. Hepatic function parameters analysed at baseline, during treatment and at end of treatment did not show significant changes during VCZ treatment. There was no correlation between dose and exposure or hepatic function parameters. In three episodes, VCZ was discontinued due to an AE (6%; three patients). In conclusion, this retrospective analysis reveals no signal for increased toxicity in paediatric patients <24 months of age. Empirical dosing resulted in mostly subtherapeutic exposures which emphasises the need for more systematic study of the pharmacokinetics of VCZ in this age group.

Voriconazole-induced psychosis in rhino-orbital invasive aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a challenging fungal infection. Voriconazole is an antifungal drug belonging to the triazole group, commonly used for treating invasive aspergillosis, Cryptococcus neoformans and candida infections. We present a case of a man in his late 70s diagnosed with rhino-orbital invasive aspergillosis who developed voriconazole-induced psychosis as an idiosyncratic, adverse drug reaction (ADR); however, he responded to the cessation of intravenous voriconazole and, after starting on an oral antipsychotic, haloperidol. Clinicians need to be cognizant of this rare, idiosyncratic and iatrogenic ADR to voriconazole.

Voriconazole-induced visual abnormality based on drug interaction between voriconazole and esomeprazole: A case report

We report a case of voriconazole-induced visual abnormality based on drug interaction of voriconazole and esomeprazole, therapeutic drug monitoring, and optimal therapy. An 81-year-old male developed visual abnormality after the blood concentration of voriconazole was up to 6.47 mg/L induced by coadministration with esomeprazole. Voriconazole is a substrate of multiple CYP450 isoenzymes including CYP2C19 (the major route), CYP3A4, and CYP2C9. Esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), is also converted to inactive metabolites through CYP3A4 and CYP2C19-mediated metabolism, and is also a CYP2C19 inhibitor. The coadministration with esomeprazole inhibited the metabolism of voriconazole via CYP2C19 and promoted the elevation of voriconazole blood concentration beyond the minimum toxic level (5.5 mg/L). According to the pharmacist's advice, the adverse effects of visual abnormalities in the patient disappeared after the clinician reduced voriconazole dosage by 50% when other medication schedules remained unchanged. Therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole should be considered in patients receiving PPIs, especially esomeprazole, in order to adjust the dosage in time and achieve optimal therapeutic response and minimal adverse reaction.

Pharmacokinetic and Exposure Response Analysis of the Double-Blind Randomized Study of Posaconazole and Voriconazole for Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

A double-blind phase 3 study was conducted to compare posaconazole 300 mg intravenously (IV)/300 mg orally once daily (twice daily day 1) with voriconazole 4 mg/kg IV twice daily/200 mg orally twice daily (6 mg/kg day 1) for treatment of invasive aspergillosis. This analysis was conducted to summarize the pharmacokinetics and exposure-response relationships of posaconazole and voriconazole using plasma trough concentration (Ctrough) as a surrogate for exposure from the double-blind phase 3 study.

METHODS

The pharmacokinetic evaluable population included all intention-to-treat (ITT) participants with at least one plasma concentration during the treatment period. Treatment blinding was maintained without therapeutic drug monitoring. Ctrough sampling occurred throughout treatment; efficacy and safety were evaluated using quartiles determined by mean Ctrough concentrations. Exposure efficacy variables included day 42 all-cause mortality (primary study endpoint) and global clinical response. Exposure safety variables included all adverse events and treatment-related adverse events.

RESULTS

The pharmacokinetic analysis population included 506 of 575 ITT participants (437 with Ctrough concentrations: 228 posaconazole, 209 voriconazole). No trend was seen across quartiles of posaconazole Ctrough for the key efficacy endpoint of all-cause mortality through day 42. Participants in the highest quartile of voriconazole Ctrough had higher all-cause mortality through day 42 than participants in the lower three quartiles of voriconazole Ctrough. Similar findings were observed for global clinical response and Ctrough. No clear exposure safety trend by quartile was seen for posaconazole or voriconazole.

CONCLUSIONS

A strong exposure-response relationship was not observed across the range of exposure from the administered doses and formulations for posaconazole or voriconazole.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01782131; registered January 30, 2013.

The Investigation and Prediction of Voriconazole-Associated Hepatotoxicity under Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2023;2023:1-4. [PMID: 38082975 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Voriconazole is commonly used as the first-line agent to treat invasive fungal infections (IFIs), but the induction of hepatotoxicity limits its use. To improve the treatment outcomes and minimize toxicity, doctors often administer Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) to patients receiving voriconazole treatment. Here, we conducted a real-world clinical investigation of voriconazole-treated patients and found significant differences between the TDM (n=318) and non-TDM cohort (n=6,379), and such incidence of hepatotoxicity showed 10.6% in the non-TDM cohort, compared with 21.5% in the TDM cohort. Based on our previous investigation, we presented and compared several machine learning models (including AdaBoost, decision tree, GBDT, logistic regression, neural networks, and random forest) for the early warning of voriconazole-associated hepatoxicity. Through the five-fold cross validation, the logistic model outperformed other models with a mean AUC of 0.7933±0.0934. Our findings offer important insights into the safe and effective application of voriconazole.

Clinically relevant bidirectional drug-drug interaction between midostaurin and voriconazole

Midostaurin is often prescribed with azole antifungals in patients with leukaemia, either for aspergillosis prophylaxis or treatment. Midostaurin is extensively metabolized by cytochrome (CYP) 3A4. In addition, it inhibits and induces various CYPs at therapeutic concentrations. Thus, midostaurin is associated with a high potential for drug-drug interactions (DDIs), both as a substrate (victim) and as a perpetrator. However, data on midostaurin as a perpetrator of DDIs are scarce, as most pharmacokinetic studies have focused on midostaurin as a victim drug. We report a clinically relevant bidirectional DDI between midostaurin and voriconazole during induction treatment. A 49-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukaemia developed invasive pulmonary aspergillosis after induction chemotherapy. She was treated with voriconazole at standard dosage. Six days after starting midostaurin, she developed visual hallucinations with a concurrent sharp increase in voriconazole blood concentration (Ctrough 10.3 mg L-1 , target Ctrough 1-5 mg L-1 ). Neurotoxicity was considered to be related to voriconazole overexposure. The concentration of midostaurin was concomitantly six-fold above the average expected level, but without safety issues. Midostaurin was stopped and the dosage of voriconazole was adjusted with therapeutic drug monitoring. The evolution was favourable, with quick resolution and no recurrence of visual hallucinations. To our knowledge, this is the first case suggesting that midostaurin and voriconazole reciprocally inhibit each other's metabolism, leading to increased exposure of both. This case highlights the knowledge gap regarding drug-drug interactions between midostaurin and azole antifungals. Close clinical and therapeutic drug monitoring is advised in such cases.

A case of drug-induced myopathy in alcoholic cirrhosis caused by voriconazole

BACKGROUND

Voriconazole is a new generation of broad-spectrum antifungal agents commonly used in the treatment of invasive aspergillus infections.

CASE REPORT

We reported a rare case of myopathy induced by voriconazole, which showed severe muscle pain and significantly elevated myocardial enzymes. Enzymes eventually achieved good efficacy by switching voriconazole to micafungin and the use of L-carnitine.

CONCLUSIONS

This reminded us it was necessary to be vigilant for rare adverse reactions of voriconazole in the population with liver dysfunction, the elderly population, and people with multiple underlying diseases in clinical practice. During medication of voriconazole, close attention should be paid to the occurrence of adverse reactions to avoid life-threatening complications.

Decreased serum voriconazole levels caused by hepatic enzyme induction after rifapentine discontinuation: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Rifapentine is a rifamycin with unique bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is also a potent inducer of CYP3A activity. However, the duration of rifapentine-induced hepatic enzyme activity after withdrawal is unclear.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of a patient with Aspergillus meningitis treated with voriconazole after discontinuing rifapentine. Within ten days of rifapentine discontinuation, serum levels of voriconazole failed to reach the effective treatment range.

CONCLUSIONS

Rifapentine is a potent inducer of hepatic microsomal enzymes. The induction of hepatic enzymes may exceed ten days after rifapentine discontinuation. Clinicians should be reminded of residual enzyme induction by rifapentine, especially when treating critically ill patients.

Detection of drug safety signal of drug-induced neutropenia and agranulocytosis in all-aged patients using electronic medical records

PURPOSE

We explored the adverse drug reaction signals of drug-induced neutropenia (DIN) and drug-induced agranulocytosis (DIA) in hospitalized patients and evaluated the novelty of these correlations.

METHOD

A two-step method was established to identify the relationship between drugs and DIN or DIA using 5-year electronic medical records (EMRs) obtained from 242 000 patients at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. First, the drugs suspected to induce DIN or DIA were selected. The associations between suspected drugs and DIN or DIA were evaluated by a retrospective cohort study using unconditional logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression model.

RESULTS

Twelve suspected drugs (vancomycin, meropenem, voriconazole, acyclovir, ganciclovir, fluconazole, oseltamivir, linezolid, compound borax solution, palonosetron, polyene phosphatidylcholine, and sulfamethoxazole) were associated with DIN, and six suspected drugs (vancomycin, voriconazole, acyclovir, ganciclovir, fluconazole, and oseltamivir) were associated with DIA. The multivariate linear regression model revealed that nine drugs (vancomycin, meropenem, voriconazole, ganciclovir, fluconazole, oseltamivir, compound borax solution, palonosetron, and polyene phosphatidylcholine) and four drugs (vancomycin, voriconazole, ganciclovir, and fluconazole) were found to be associated with DIN and DIA, respectively. While logistic regression analysis revealed that palonosetron and ganciclovir were associated with DIN and DIA, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Palonosetron and ganciclovir were found to be correlated with drug-induced granulocytopenia. The results of this study provide an early warning of drug safety signals for drug-induced granulocytopenia, facilitating a quick and appropriate response for clinicians.

Using disproportionality analysis to explore the association between periostitis and triazole antifungals in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database

Though triazole antifungals are the first choice for preventing and treating invasive fungal infections, periostitis caused by voriconazole has been described in emerging case reports; however, no studies exist on this association in real-world clinical settings. Our study aimed to identify the association between periostitis and triazole antifungals by analyzing data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). We extracted and analyzed reports on the association between periostitis and triazole antifungals in FAERS from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2022 using OpenVigil 2.1. Disproportionality analysis was performed to evaluate the association between periostitis and triazole antifungals, and chi-squared (χ²), relative reporting ratio (RRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), and Bayesian confidence propagation neural networks (BCPNN) of information components (IC) were reported. In total, 143 patients experienced periostitis while using voriconazole. Disproportionality analysis identified an association between periostitis and voriconazole (χ² = 82,689.0, RRR = 583.6, 95%CI [472.4, 721.1], PRR = 1808.9, 95%CI [1356.0, 2412.9], ROR = 1831.7, 95%CI [1371.6, 2446.3], IC = 9.2, 95%CI [8.6, 9.8]). However, no safety signals were observed between periostitis and other triazole antifungals. When stratified by sex and age, disproportionality analysis identified positive signals between periostitis and voriconazole. The possible association between periostitis and voriconazole should attract sufficient attention in clinical practice. Alternative treatment with other triazole antifungals can be considered, and causality needs to be verified in further prospective studies.

Therapeutic drug monitoring-guided treatment versus standard dosing of voriconazole for invasive aspergillosis in haematological patients: a multicentre, prospective, cluster randomised, crossover clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is recommended based on retrospective data and limited prospective studies. This study aimed to investigate whether TDM-guided voriconazole treatment is superior to standard treatment for invasive aspergillosis.

METHODS

A multicentre (n = 10), prospective, cluster randomised, crossover clinical trial was performed in haematological patients aged ≥18 years treated with voriconazole. All patients received standard voriconazole dose at the start of treatment. Blood/serum/plasma was periodically collected after treatment initiation of voriconazole and repeated during treatment in both groups. The TDM group had measured voriconazole concentrations reported back, with dose adjustments made as appropriate, while the non-TDM group had voriconazole concentrations measured only after study completion. The composite primary endpoint included response to treatment and voriconazole treatment discontinuation due to an adverse drug reaction related to voriconazole within 28 days after treatment initiation.

RESULTS

In total, 189 patients were enrolled in the study. For the composite primary endpoint, 74 patients were included in the non-TDM group and 68 patients in the TDM group. Here, no significant difference was found between both groups (P = 0.678). However, more trough concentrations were found within the generally accepted range of 1-6 mg/L for the TDM group (74.0%) compared with the non-TDM group (64.0%) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this trial, TDM-guided dosing of voriconazole did not show improved treatment outcome compared with standard dosing. We believe that these findings should open up the discussion for an approach to voriconazole TDM that includes drug exposure, pathogen susceptibility and host defence.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT00893555.

Toxic optic neuropathy due to voriconazole: possible potentiation by reduction of CYP2C19 activity

OBJECTIVE

Voriconazole is an antifungal treatment with central neurotoxicity. Modifications of the electroretinogram can explain some of its visual complications: visual hallucination, blurred vision, altered visual perception or photophobia. However, reports from the literature or the French pharmacovigilance centers evoked toxic optic neuropathy due to voriconazole. The aim of this report is to analyze the role of voriconazole in the occurrence of toxic optic neuropathy or the role of the combination of voriconazole with other neurotoxic drugs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report the case of a 15-year-old young boy treated with voriconazole and ethambutol for a severe lung infection due to aspergillosis and mycobacterium tuberculosis in the mucoviscidosis and pulmonary transplantation who developed a toxic optic neuropathy. A review of the literature on the role of ethambutol on the activity of CYP2C19 and its relationship with the serum concentration of voriconazole was conducted.

RESULTS

In our patients, visual acuity recovered after discontinuation of voriconazole. Other cases of toxic optic neuropathy due to voriconazole were reported in pharmaco-vigilance databases, often in association with ethambutol.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethambutol can reduce the activity of CYP2C19 leading to an increase of voriconazole concentration. Thus, it potentiates its risk of adverse event. Such mechanism leading to this neuro ophthalmological adverse effect would have an important clinical involvement. It would require a stricter monitoring and screening of patients treated by combination of neurotoxic molecules and VRZ to detect an adverse event.

Evaluation of Voriconazole and Posaconazole Dosing in Patients with Thermal Burn Injuries

Fungal infections are a recognized cause of increased morbidity and mortality in thermal burn patients. Adequate treatment regimens remain a challenge due to unpredictable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic changes caused by a hypermetabolic state and individual patient factors. A retrospective evaluation of adult thermal burn patients from April 2014 to April 2020 was conducted to assess voriconazole and posaconazole antifungal dosing regimens. The primary outcome was the incidence of attaining a therapeutic steady-state trough level on the patient's initial voriconazole or posaconazole regimen. Of the 35 patients analyzed, 28 (80.0%) patients achieved a therapeutic level during azole therapy. However, only 13 (46.4%) patients achieved a therapeutic level on their first azole regimen. The median time to therapeutic level was 8.0 + 21.1 days from the start of azole therapy. Optimal dosing strategies for azole therapy in patients with thermal burns remains undefined. Further assessment is needed to delineate patient-specific factors that can contribute to subtherapeutic azole levels in thermal burn patients and the overall clinical impact of population-specific dosing regimens.

Efficacy and safety of isavuconazole compared with voriconazole as primary antifungal prophylaxis in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients

Voriconazole is frequently discontinued prematurely as primary antifungal prophylaxis (AFP) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients due to adverse events. Limited data exists for isavuconazole as AFP. We analyzed adult HCT recipients who received voriconazole or isavuconazole AFP to estimate rate of premature AFP discontinuation, identify risk factors for premature AFP discontinuation, and compare incidence of invasive fungal infection (IFI) and survival at day + 180 post-HCT between patients who received voriconazole/isavuconazole-AFP. This was a propensity score matched cohort analysis of 210 HCT-recipients who received voriconazole-AFP (9/1/2014-12/31/2016; voriconazole-cohort), and 95 HCT-recipients who received isavuconazole-AFP (5/1/2017-10/31/2018; isavuconazole-cohort). AFP discontinuation for any reason prior to completion was defined as "premature". Median (interquartile range, IQR) duration of AFP was longer in the isavuconazole-cohort (94 days, 87-100) vs. the voriconazole-cohort (76 days, 23-94; P-value < 0.0001). Premature AFP discontinuation was more frequent in the voriconazole-cohort (92/210, 43.8%) vs. the isavuconazole-cohort (14/95, 14.7%; P-value < 0.0001). The most common reason for premature discontinuation was biochemical hepatotoxicity (voriconazole-cohort: 48/210, 22.8% vs. isavuconazole-cohort: 5/95, 5.26%; P-value = 0.0002). Transaminase values between baseline and end-of-treatment (EOT) and up to 14 days post-EOT significantly increased in the voriconazole-cohort, but remained unchanged in the isavuconazole-cohort. The incidence of IFI at day + 180 was 2.9% (6/210) and 3.2% (3/95) in the voriconazole-cohort and isavuconazole-cohort, respectively (P-value = 0.881). All-cause mortality at day + 180 was 2.4% (5/210) and 6.3% (6/95) in the voriconazole-cohort and isavuconazole-cohort, respectively (P-value = 0.089). When compared to voriconazole, isavuconazole was a safer and as effective primary AFP during the first 3 months after HCT.

LAY SUMMARY

When compared to voriconazole, isavuconazole is a safer and as effective primary antifungal prophylaxis during the first 3 months after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant, with lower rates of hepatotoxicity, and similar rates of fungal infections and all-cause mortality.

Posaconazole versus voriconazole for primary treatment of invasive aspergillosis: a phase 3, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Voriconazole has been recommended as primary treatment for patients with invasive aspergillosis. Intravenous and tablet formulations of posaconazole that have improved systemic absorption could be an effective alternative to voriconazole. We aimed to assess non-inferiority of posaconazole to voriconazole for the primary treatment of invasive aspergillosis.

METHODS

We did a randomised, prospective, double-blind, double-dummy, controlled trial comparing posaconazole (intravenous or oral posaconazole 300 mg twice on day 1, followed by 300 mg once a day for days 2-84) with voriconazole (6 mg/kg intravenous or 300 mg oral twice on day 1 followed by 4 mg/kg intravenously or 200 mg orally twice a day for days 2-84) for 12 weeks or less in the primary treatment of invasive aspergillosis. Participants were from 91 study sites in 26 countries, were aged 13 years or older, weighed at least 40 kg, and met criteria for proven, probable, or possible fungal disease. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) via a computer-generated randomisation schedule with stratification by risk status. The primary endpoint was cumulative all-cause mortality up until day 42 in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population (defined as randomly assigned participants who received ≥1 dose of study drug), with a 10% non-inferiority margin. The ITT population was also evaluated for safety. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01782131, and EudraCT, 2011-003938-14.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 25, 2013, and Sept 10, 2019, of 653 individuals assessed for eligibility, 575 ITT participants were randomly assigned and received one or more doses of study drug (n=288 [50%] posaconazole, n=287 [50%] voriconazole). Mortality up until day 42 was 15% (44 of 288) in the posaconazole group and 21% (59 of 287) in the voriconazole group (treatment difference -5·3% [95% CI -11·6 to 1·0]; p<0·0001). Mortality up until day 42 in the full-analysis-set subpopulation (ITT participants with proven or probable invasive aspergillosis) supported this conclusion: 31 (19%) of 163 participants in the posaconazole group and 32 (19%) of 171 participants in the voriconazole group (treatment difference 0·3% [95% CI -8·2 to 8·8]). The most frequently reported treatment-related adverse events (incidence >3%) were increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT), nausea, hypokalaemia, and vomiting in the posaconazole group and increased ALT, AST, or alkaline phosphatase, hallucination, increased γ-glutamyltransferase peptidase, nausea, and blurred vision in the voriconazole group. The overall incidence of treatment-related adverse event rates in the ITT population was 30% for posaconazole and 40% for voriconazole (treatment difference -10·2% [95% CI -17·9 to -2·4]).

INTERPRETATION

Posaconazole was non-inferior to voriconazole for all-cause mortality up until day 42 in participants with invasive aspergillosis. Posaconazole was well tolerated, and participants had fewer treatment-related adverse events than in the voriconazole group. This study supports the use of posaconazole as a first-line treatment for the condition.

FUNDING

Merck Sharp & Dohme, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Inc.

Reasons for voriconazole prophylaxis discontinuation in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: A real-life paradigm

We sought to describe the clinical experience of voriconazole as primary antifungal prophylaxis (AFP) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients (allo-HCTr). This was a single-center retrospective study of adult allo-HCTr (1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016) who received ≥two doses of voriconazole-AFP. Voriconazole-AFP was started on day +7 post-HCT and continued at least through day +60 post-HCT, or longer as clinically indicated. We reviewed the rate, reasons, and risk factors of voriconazole-AFP discontinuation until day-100 post-HCT. A total of 327 patients were included. Voriconazole-AFP was continued for a median of 69 days (mean: 57.9; range 1, 100): for a median of 90 days (mean :84; range 2, 100) in 180/327 (55%) in the standard-of-care (SOC) group and 20 days (mean :25.6 ; range 1, 89; P-value < .001) in 147/327 (45%) patients in the early-discontinuation-group. Early-voriconazole-AFP discontinuation was due to adverse events, drug interactions, insurance coverage, and other reasons in 101/147 (68.7%), 27 (18.4%), 13 (8.8%), and 6 (4.1%) patients, respectively. Early-voriconazole-AFP discontinuation occurred in 73/327 (22.3%) patients due to hepatotoxicity. Important predictors for early-voriconazole-AFP discontinuation included: graft-versus-host disease grade ≥2 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.9, P-value: .02), alanine-aminotransferase ≥75 IU/ml on voriconazole-administration day-14 (OR: 5.6, P-value: .02) and total bilirubin ≥1.3 mg/dl on voriconazole-administration day-7 (OR: 3.0, P-value: .03). There were 13 proven/probable invasive fungal infections by day-180 post-HCT (8/147, 5.4%, and 5/180, 2.8% in the early-discontinuation and SOC-groups, respectively; log-rank:0.13). By day-180 post HCT, 23/147 (15.6%) and 14/180 (7.8%) patients in the early-discontinuation and SOC-groups had died, respectively (log-rank:0.03). Voriconazole-AFP was discontinued in up to 45% of allo-HCTr. Hepatotoxicity during the first 2 weeks post-HCT is a significant predictor of early-voriconazole-AFP discontinuation.

Tolerability of oral itraconazole and voriconazole for the treatment of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) requires prolonged treatment with itraconazole or voriconazole. However, adverse events (AEs) are common with the use of these agents, with the need to discontinue the offending drug in a significant proportion of the patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of adverse events of itraconazole and voriconazole for the treatment of CPA.

METHODS

We searched Embase and Medline to select clinical studies providing information on AEs to itraconazole or voriconazole for the treatment of CPA from inception to May 2020. Reviews, single case reports, and case series reporting less than 10 patients were excluded. Random effect meta-analysis was performed using STATA 16.0.

RESULTS

We included 9 eligible studies with an overall total of 534 CPA patients enrolled. Of these, 69% (n = 366) were treated with voriconazole and 31% (n = 168) with itraconazole. The median daily dose of both itraconazole and voriconazole used was 400mg. In a pooled analysis, AEs were observed in 36% (95% CI: 20-52%, N = 366) of patients on voriconazole and 25% (95% CI: 18 to 31%, N = 168) in those treated with itraconazole. Discontinuation rate due to AEs was the same for both drugs; 35% (47/366) and 35% (15/168) for voriconazole and itraconazole, respectively. There were 70 AEs reported with itraconazole use, the commonest being cardiotoxicity (29%). Skin AEs (28%) were the most frequent among the 204 AEs reported with voriconazole use. None of the studies compared the tolerability of itraconazole head-to-head with voriconazole.

CONCLUSIONS

AEs due itraconazole and voriconazole are common and may lead to discontinuation of treatment in a significant proportion of patients. This information can be used to educate patients prior to commencement of these antifungal therapies.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020191627.

[Voriconazole-induced periostitis]

In this case report, a 49-year-old man was diagnosed with influenza-associated invasive aspergillosis. Voriconazole therapy was initiated and adjusted to meet therapeutic range. After 16 weeks of treatment the patient was admitted with multifocal, skeletal pains. Alkaline phosphatase was 1,900 U/L and S-voriconazole 9.9 mg/l. A bone scintigraphy and SPECT-CT were performed, and the diagnostic images along with the clinical findings were consistent with voriconazole-induced periostitis. Voriconazole therapy was discontinued, and isavuconazole therapy was initiated, and the patient's symptoms resolved completely.

Optimization of Voriconazole Therapy for the Treatment of Invasive Fungal Infections in Adults

Therapeutic concentrations of voriconazole in invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are ensured using a drug monitoring approach, which relies on attainment of steady-state pharmacokinetics. For voriconazole, time to reach steady state can vary from 5-7 days, not optimal for critically ill patients. We developed a population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model-based approach to predict doses that can maximize the net benefit (probability of efficacy-probability of adverse events) and ensure therapeutic concentrations, early on during treatment. The label-recommended 200 mg voriconazole dose resulted in attainment of targeted concentrations in ≥80% patients in the case of Candida spp. infections, as compared to only 40-50% patients, with net benefit ranging from 5.8-61.8%, in the case of Aspergillus spp. infections. Voriconazole doses of 300-600 mg were found to maximize the net benefit up to 51-66.7%, depending on the clinical phenotype (due to CYP2C19 status and pantoprazole use) of the patient and type of Aspergillus infection.

Population pharmacokinetics of voriconazole and CYP2C19 polymorphisms for optimizing dosing regimens in renal transplant recipients

AIMS

The aims of the present study were to characterize the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole in renal transplant recipients and to identify factors significantly affecting pharmacokinetic parameters. We also aimed to explore the optimal dosing regimens for patients who developed invasive fungal infections.

METHODS

A total of 105 patients (342 concentrations) were included prospectively in a population pharmacokinetic analysis. Nonlinear mixed-effects models were developed using Phoenix NLME software. Dosing simulations were performed based on the final model.

RESULTS

A one-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination was used to characterize voriconazole pharmacokinetics. Population estimates of clearance, volume of distribution and oral bioavailability were 2.88 l·h-1 , 169.3 l and 58%, respectively. The allele frequencies of cytochrome P450 gene (CYP) 2C19*2, *3 and *17 variants were 29.2%, 5.2% and 0.5%, respectively. CYP2C19 genotype had a significant effect on the clearance. Voriconazole trough concentrations in poor metabolizers were significantly higher than in intermediate metabolizers and extensive metabolizers alike. The volume of distribution increased with increased body weight. The oral bioavailability was substantially lower within 1 month after transplantation but increased with postoperative time. Dosing simulations indicated that during the early postoperative period, poor metabolizers could be treated with 150 mg intravenously or 250 mg orally twice daily; intermediate metabolizers with 200 mg intravenously or 350 mg orally twice daily; and extensive metabolizers with 300 mg intravenously twice daily.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a combination of CYP2C19 genotype and postoperative time to determine the initial voriconazole dosing regimens followed by therapeutic drug monitoring could help to advance individualized treatment in renal transplantation patients with invasive fungal infections.

Voriconazole-refractory invasive aspergillosis

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is one of the most common life-threatening complications in immunocompromised patients. Voriconazole is currently the drug of choice for IA treatment. However, some patients with IA suffer clinical deterioration despite voriconazole therapy. Management of voriconazole-refractory IA remains challenging; no useful recommendations have yet been made. Voriconazole-refractory IA can be further categorized as disease attributable to misdiagnosis or co-infection with another mold; inadequate blood voriconazole blood; inadequate tissue drug concentrations attributable to angioinvasion; immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome; or infection with voriconazole-resistant Aspergillus. Hence, when encountering a case of voriconazole-refractory IA, it is necessary to schedule sequential tests to decide whether medical treatment or surgical intervention is appropriate; to adjust the voriconazole dose via drug monitoring; to seek CYP2C19 polymorphisms; to monitor serum galactomannan levels; and to examine the drug susceptibility of the causative Aspergillus species.

Voriconazole-induced QT prolongation among hemato-oncologic patients: clinical characteristics and risk factors

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of QTcP and associated risk factors in patients treated with voriconazole.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients treated with voriconazole in a large tertiary center between 2009 and 2015, using paired comparison of QTc intervals on and off voriconazole treatment, adjusted for comorbidities, electrolyte abnormalities, and concurrent medications.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were included, of whom 53 were diagnosed with oncologic/hemato-oncologic disease. Mean QTc during voriconazole therapy (448.0 ± 52.9 msec) was significantly longer compared to QTc off voriconazole (421.8 ± 42.2 msec; p = 0.002). QTcP ≥30 msec and ≥60 msec was demonstrated in 43% (23 patients) and 28% (15 patients), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that QTcP was significantly associated with baseline QTc ≥ 450 msec (upper QTc quartile) (p < 0.01) and low serum potassium levels (p < 0.01). Contrarily, no significant association was found between mean voriconazole daily and cumulative dose and QTcP.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that hemato-oncologic patients treated with voriconazole are at increased risk for QTcP, especially in the presence of baseline QTc ≥ 450 msec and low serum potassium levels.

Voriconazole-Induced Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus in an Adult With Aspergillosis

A 59-year-old man was treated with voriconazole for chronic invasive aspergillosis and who subsequently developed subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). The patient presented with a 6-week history of multiple erythematous papulosquamous lesions on his chest, upper and lower extremities, and back (Figure 1). They were nonpruritic and nonpainful. He was afebrile and otherwise well. He had no history of extensive sun exposure prior to the appearance of the eruption. He had been taking voriconazole for about 3 months prior to the onset of lesions. He denied any family history of connective tissue disease.

Visual disturbance or central symptom like hallucination in patients treated voriconazole: report of six cases

Visual disturbance or central symptom like hallucination is well known to be one of the common drug adverse events in response to voriconazole (VRCZ). We observed 123 patients treated VRCZ from April 2012 to January 2016. Two of these cases experienced visual disturbance and 4 of these cases experienced central symptom. Six patients appeared visual disturbance or central symptom within 1 week after administration of VRCZ (visual disturbance; 3 days [2-42 days], central symptom; 6 days [3-9 days]) and disappeared visual disturbance or central symptom at an early date after discontinuation of administration or decreasing dose of VRCZ. The trough concentration of VRCZ in patients who experienced central symptom was similar with that in-patients who did not experience adverse events by VRCZ (case 3; 3.79μg/ mL, case 4; 1.28μg/mL vs 3.73μg/mL [0.09-13.27 μg/mL]). On the other hand, the trough concentration of VRCZ in patients who experienced visual disturbance was higher than that in patients who did not experience adverse events by VRCZ (case 5; 7.49μg/mL, case 6; 4.45μg/ mL vs 3.73μg/mL [0.09-13.27μg/mL]). In conclusion, we thought that the risk factor of visual disturbance was the increasing concentration of VRCZ. Therefore, we should monitor the onset of visual disturbance or central symptom in patients treated with VRCZ, especially central symptom that the concentration is unconcerned.

Voriconazole treatment of Candida tropicalis meningitis: persistence of (1,3)-β-D-glucan in the cerebrospinal fluid is a marker of clinical and microbiological failure: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Infections are still the most common complications of cerebral shunt procedures. Even though fungal etiologies are considered to be rare, they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Due to their uncommonness, diagnostic procedures and optimal therapy are poorly defined. We report a case of Candida tropicalis infection of ventriculo-peritoneal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt in a 49-year-old immune competent male treated with voriconazole (VOR).

METHODS

Microbiological and CSF markers (1,3-b-D-glucan-BDG) of fungal infection, biofilm production capacity, sensitivity of serial isolates of the pathogen, and the concentration of the antifungal drug have been monitored and related to the clinical course of this infection.

RESULTS

Despite appropriate treatment with VOR, in terms of adequate achieved CSF drug concentrations and initial effective therapeutic response, loss of VOR susceptibility of the C tropicalis and treatment failure were observed.

CONCLUSION

Biofilm production of the C. tropicalis isolate might have had a significant role in treatment failure. Of interest, clinical and microbiological unfavorable outcome was anticipated by persistence of BDG in CSF. Rising titers of this marker were associated with relapse of fungal infection.

The Investigational Drug VT-1129 Is a Highly Potent Inhibitor of Cryptococcus Species CYP51 but Only Weakly Inhibits the Human Enzyme

Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening disease often associated with HIV infection. Three Cryptococcus species CYP51 enzymes were purified and catalyzed the 14α-demethylation of lanosterol, eburicol, and obtusifoliol. The investigational agent VT-1129 bound tightly to all three CYP51 proteins (dissociation constant [Kd] range, 14 to 25 nM) with affinities similar to those of fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole, and ketoconazole (Kd range, 4 to 52 nM), whereas VT-1129 bound weakly to human CYP51 (Kd, 4.53 μM). VT-1129 was as effective as conventional triazole antifungal drugs at inhibiting cryptococcal CYP51 activity (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] range, 0.14 to 0.20 μM), while it only weakly inhibited human CYP51 activity (IC50, ∼600 μM). Furthermore, VT-1129 weakly inhibited human CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4, suggesting a low drug-drug interaction potential. Finally, the cellular mode of action for VT-1129 was confirmed to be CYP51 inhibition, resulting in the depletion of ergosterol and ergosta-7-enol and the accumulation of eburicol, obtusifolione, and lanosterol/obtusifoliol in the cell membranes.

Isavuconazole versus voriconazole for primary treatment of invasive mould disease caused by Aspergillus and other filamentous fungi (SECURE): a phase 3, randomised-controlled, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Isavuconazole is a novel triazole with broad-spectrum antifungal activity. The SECURE trial assessed efficacy and safety of isavuconazole versus voriconazole in patients with invasive mould disease.

METHODS

This was a phase 3, double-blind, global multicentre, comparative-group study. Patients with suspected invasive mould disease were randomised in a 1:1 ratio using an interactive voice-web response system, stratified by geographical region, allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, and active malignant disease at baseline, to receive isavuconazonium sulfate 372 mg (prodrug; equivalent to 200 mg isavuconazole; intravenously three times a day on days 1 and 2, then either intravenously or orally once daily) or voriconazole (6 mg/kg intravenously twice daily on day 1, 4 mg/kg intravenously twice daily on day 2, then intravenously 4 mg/kg twice daily or orally 200 mg twice daily from day 3 onwards). We tested non-inferiority of the primary efficacy endpoint of all-cause mortality from first dose of study drug to day 42 in patients who received at least one dose of the study drug (intention-to-treat [ITT] population) using a 10% non-inferiority margin. Safety was assessed in patients who received the first dose of study drug. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00412893.

FINDINGS

527 adult patients were randomly assigned (258 received study medication per group) between March 7, 2007, and March 28, 2013. All-cause mortality from first dose of study drug to day 42 for the ITT population was 19% with isavuconazole (48 patients) and 20% with voriconazole (52 patients), with an adjusted treatment difference of -1·0% (95% CI -7·8 to 5·7). Because the upper bound of the 95% CI (5·7%) did not exceed 10%, non-inferiority was shown. Most patients (247 [96%] receiving isavuconazole and 255 [98%] receiving voriconazole) had treatment-emergent adverse events (p=0·122); the most common were gastrointestinal disorders (174 [68%] vs 180 [69%]) and infections and infestations (152 [59%] vs 158 [61%]). Proportions of patients with treatment-emergent adverse events by system organ class were similar overall. However, isavuconazole-treated patients had a lower frequency of hepatobiliary disorders (23 [9%] vs 42 [16%]; p=0·016), eye disorders (39 [15%] vs 69 [27%]; p=0·002), and skin or subcutaneous tissue disorders (86 [33%] vs 110 [42%]; p=0·037). Drug-related adverse events were reported in 109 (42%) patients receiving isavuconazole and 155 (60%) receiving voriconazole (p<0·001).

INTERPRETATION

Isavuconazole was non-inferior to voriconazole for the primary treatment of suspected invasive mould disease. Isavuconazole was well tolerated compared with voriconazole, with fewer study-drug-related adverse events. Our results support the use of isavuconazole for the primary treatment of patients with invasive mould disease.

FUNDING

Astellas Pharma Global Development, Basilea Pharmaceutica International.