therapeutic drug monitoring – Page 3

Histoplasma capsulatum prosthetic valve endocarditis treated with oral isavuconazole

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A 76-year-old man developed a rare fungal infection on his artificial heart valve caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus found in soil and bird droppings. After surgery to replace the infected valve, he was treated with isavuconazole, an antifungal medication that proved highly effective and better tolerated than traditional treatments. After nine months of therapy, all signs of infection had resolved and his new valve was working properly.

Successful management of Lomentospora prolificans septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent child: A case report

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A 3-year-old boy developed a serious fungal bone and joint infection caused by Lomentospora prolificans after surgery to fix a broken elbow. This fungus is extremely resistant to most antifungal medications. The infection was successfully treated using multiple approaches: aggressive surgical cleaning, several different antifungal drugs used together, special antibiotic-loaded bone cement, and antiseptic rinses. After two months of intensive treatment, the infection cleared and the child’s arm was saved from amputation.

Assessing Diagnostic Capabilities and Treatment Accessibility for Invasive Fungal Infections in the Balkan Region

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Researchers surveyed medical centers across 12 Balkan countries to understand how well-equipped they are to diagnose and treat serious fungal infections. They found that while most centers have basic laboratory tools like microscopes and cultures, advanced molecular tests for identifying fungal species are less common. Antifungal medications like triazoles are widely available, but other important treatment options are harder to find in the region.

ESCMID-EFISG Survey on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Capacity for Invasive Fungal Infections in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg: A Focus on High Azole Resistance

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This survey examined how well hospitals in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections, especially in patients whose immune systems are weakened. The researchers found that while most hospitals have good access to testing and antifungal medications, some important tests are still missing, and many hospitals send samples to other facilities for testing, which can delay treatment. Since this region has unusually high rates of fungal infections that resist common antifungal drugs, improving access to advanced diagnostic tests is crucial for patient survival.

Case Commentary: Successful use of olorofim for the treatment of multi-drug-resistant Lomentospora prolificans infection in a child

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A young girl contracted a dangerous drug-resistant fungal infection in her knee after an injury, which failed to respond to standard antifungal treatments. Doctors obtained special access to an experimental antifungal drug called olorofim through a compassionate use program. The child showed improvement within two weeks and was completely cured after six months of treatment with no signs of the infection returning two years later, making this the first successful case of this new drug being used in a child.

Fungi under fire: diagnostic capacities and antifungal availability in Peruvian healthcare facilities

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This study examined how well Peruvian hospitals can diagnose and treat serious fungal infections across the country. Researchers surveyed 54 healthcare centers and found that while basic fungal tests are available everywhere, advanced diagnostic tools and certain antifungal medications are mostly limited to the capital city of Lima. The research identifies major gaps in care that need to be addressed to help more patients survive these serious infections.

Life-threatening airway stenosis due to Scedosporium infection during nontuberculous mycobacteria treatment: A case report

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A 73-year-old woman with arthritis being treated with immunosuppressive drugs developed a severe fungal airway infection caused by a rare fungus called Scedosporium apiospermum. Her airway became dangerously narrowed, requiring emergency support with an artificial lung machine while doctors inserted a stent to open her airway. After correctly identifying the fungus and treating it with an antifungal medication called voriconazole, she recovered well with complete healing of the infection.

Antifungal stewardship in the UK: where are we now?

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This paper examines how well the UK is currently managing antifungal stewardship—the appropriate use of antifungal medications to treat serious fungal infections while preventing resistance. Experts found that since 2017, progress has been limited due to lack of funding and staff expertise, difficulties accessing timely fungal diagnostic tests, and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel recommends creating regional mycology networks and diagnostic centres, establishing national standards for antifungal practices, and improving education about fungal infections to better prepare the UK for rising fungal disease threats.

Successful management of Lomentospora prolificans septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent child: A case report

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A 3-year-old healthy child developed a serious fungal bone and joint infection in the elbow after surgery to repair a broken arm bone. The fungus, called Lomentospora prolificans, is extremely resistant to most medications and can lead to limb amputation. Doctors saved the child’s arm by combining multiple approaches: repeated surgeries to clean out infected tissue, three different antifungal medications taken together, special antibiotic-loaded bone cement placed in the elbow, and antiseptic wound washing. After six months of treatment, the infection was cured and the child could use their arm again.

Life-threatening airway stenosis due to Scedosporium infection during nontuberculous mycobacteria treatment: A case report

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A 73-year-old woman with arthritis treated with immunosuppressive drugs and a lung infection developed a life-threatening narrowing of her airway caused by a rare fungal infection called Scedosporium apiospermum. Doctors used a combination of emergency measures including a breathing support machine, insertion of a special tube to keep the airway open, and strong antifungal medication to treat the infection. After six months of treatment, the fungal infection was completely gone and the special airway tube was successfully removed, allowing normal healing.

Research Keyword: therapeutic drug monitoring