antifungal prophylaxis

Risk factors for invasive fungal infections in adult patients with hematological malignancies and/or stem cell transplant: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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This comprehensive study analyzed multiple research papers to identify which patients with blood cancers or stem cell transplants are most likely to develop serious fungal infections. The researchers found that patients who previously had a stem cell transplant, those taking corticosteroids, and those with low white blood cell counts face the highest risks. Importantly, the study showed that using antifungal medications as a preventive treatment significantly reduces infection risk in these vulnerable patients.

Breakthrough Invasive Mould Infections Under Posaconazole Prophylaxis in Patients With Haematologic Malignancies: A Case–Control Study

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This study examined cases where patients receiving posaconazole to prevent fungal infections still developed serious mould infections despite the medication. Researchers compared 29 patients who developed these breakthrough infections with 46 control patients who did not. They found that over half of patients with breakthrough infections died, compared to only 20% of controls, and that surgical treatment significantly improved survival for certain types of fungal infections.

Approaches to Invasive Fungal Diseases in Paediatric Cancer Centres: An Analysis of Current Practices and Challenges in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

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This study examined how 62 children’s cancer hospitals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland manage fungal infections in young cancer patients. Researchers found that hospitals use different methods to prevent and treat these serious infections, with some having special fungal infection experts and others not. The study revealed that larger hospitals tend to have better resources and expertise, while smaller hospitals face challenges like drug interactions and delays in getting test results.

Mycobiome analyses of critically ill COVID-19 patients

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This study examined fungal infections in severely ill COVID-19 patients treated in intensive care units across Europe. Researchers found that a dangerous mold called Aspergillus fumigatus was more common in patients who died and less common in those treated with azole antifungal drugs. The findings suggest that giving antifungal medications to critically ill COVID-19 patients when they arrive at the hospital might help prevent fungal-related deaths.

Invasive Fungal Disease is Rare in Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with BCMA CAR-T Therapy

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Researchers studied 234 multiple myeloma patients who received a cutting-edge cancer treatment called BCMA CAR-T therapy. While this therapy can cause serious side effects related to immune system activation, the study found that dangerous fungal infections were surprisingly rare, occurring in only 1.7% of patients. However, when fungal infections did occur in these patients, they tended to be severe and life-threatening, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of high-risk patients.

Liposomal amphotericin B prophylaxis in paediatrics: a systematic review

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This review examined how well liposomal amphotericin B (a fungal medication) works to prevent serious fungal infections in children. Researchers looked at 20 studies involving over 2000 children and found that about 7% still developed fungal infections despite the medication, with common side effects being low potassium levels and liver problems. The main finding is that doctors use this medication in very different ways, and we need better research to figure out the best dosing strategy for children.

Liposomal amphotericin B prophylaxis in paediatrics: a systematic review

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This study reviews how a fungal medication called liposomal amphotericin B is used to prevent serious fungal infections in children with weakened immune systems, particularly those with blood cancers or who have had bone marrow transplants. The researchers found that this medicine prevents infections in about 93% of children, though it does cause side effects like low potassium levels in about 23% of patients. However, the study shows that current use of this medicine is quite varied and more high-quality research is needed to determine the best dosing approach.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Invasive Fungal Infection in Patients with Hematological Malignancies at a Tertiary Hospital in Malaysia

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This study examined fungal infections in cancer patients with blood disorders in a Malaysian hospital. Researchers found that about 7.6% of patients developed serious fungal infections, mainly from Candida species. Using antifungal medications to prevent infection significantly reduced the risk, though some patients still developed infections while taking preventive medications. The findings highlight the importance of appropriate antifungal treatment strategies in managing these vulnerable patients.

Retrospective Analysis on the Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Antifungal Prophylaxis in Patients with Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis

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This study examined whether giving antifungal medications to peritoneal dialysis patients with infections could prevent fungal peritonitis. The researchers found that patients receiving antifungal prophylaxis actually had higher rates of secondary fungal infections compared to those without it. Additionally, fluconazole treatment was associated with dangerous changes in heart electrical activity, suggesting potential cardiac risks.

Consecutive non-Aspergillus Fungal Invasive Infections in Chronic Granulomatous Disease: Data from the French National Reference Center for Primary ImmunoDeficiencies and literature review

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This study examines rare but serious fungal infections in patients with chronic granulomatous disease, a genetic immune disorder. Researchers analyzed 122 cases of non-Aspergillus fungal infections from French hospitals and published literature, finding that these infections often occur despite preventive antifungal medications and are challenging to diagnose. The infections were found in the lungs most commonly but could spread to bones, brain, and other organs, with treatments including antifungal drugs, surgery, and in some cases bone marrow transplants.

Research Topic: antifungal prophylaxis