Isavuconazonium Utilization in Pediatric Patients at a Free-Standing Children’s Hospital
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 1/29/2025
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Summary
Researchers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles studied how well a newer antifungal medication called isavuconazonium works in children with cancer and blood disorders who are at high risk for serious fungal infections. The medication was recently approved for use in children ages 1 and older. The study found that the medication was generally safe and effective, though doctors need to monitor liver function and drug levels to ensure proper dosing and catch any side effects early.
Background
Isavuconazonium sulfate is a newer triazole antifungal approved by FDA in December 2023 for pediatric patients 1 year and older for treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. The primary concern with this medication is hepatotoxicity requiring monitoring. Limited published data exists on its use in pediatric populations.
Objective
To evaluate the utilization of isavuconazonium at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and assess its safety and tolerability in pediatric patients. The study aimed to analyze demographic data, liver function changes, and serum drug levels during treatment.
Results
54 patient encounters involved isavuconazonium orders, primarily in leukemia and stem cell transplant patients (45% with ALL). Six patients developed grade 3 or 4 liver toxicity during therapy. 26 of 33 patients (79%) with serum trough levels achieved levels within typical expected range of 1-5 mg/L, with subtherapeutic levels primarily due to non-adherence.
Conclusion
Based on serum drug levels and liver function test results, isavuconazonium appears well-tolerated for treatment or prophylaxis of invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised pediatric patients. Routine therapeutic drug monitoring provides valuable safety data in this population.
- Published in:Open Forum Infectious Diseases,
- Study Type:Retrospective Chart Review,
- Source: 10.1093/ofid/ofae631.1236, PMC11778422