Successful long-term terbinafine therapy in an asthmatic patient with Aspergillus sensitization and bronchiectasis

Abstract

Severe asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) is estimated to affect ~25% of patients with poorly controlled asthma. Tri-azole therapy is effective in only 60–80% and side effects are common. We report a 25 years-old woman with severe asthma, Aspergillus sensitization and marked bronchiectasis that developed a rare Achilles-tendinopathy with both itraconazole and voriconazole. She started a trial with terbinafine as salvage therapy that led to a striking improvement and long-term control of her respiratory disease.

Keywords

• Aspergillus spp
• Asthma
• Terbinafine
• Tendinopathy
• Bronchiectasis