Safety and efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B for the empirical therapy of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients

Abstract

Marisa H Miceli1, Pranatharthi Chandrasekar21Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center, Dearborn, 2Division of Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USAAbstract: Liposomal amphotericin B is a "true" liposomal formulation of amphotericin B with greatly reduced nephrotoxicity and minimal infusion-related toxicity. This broad spectrum polyene is well tolerated and effective against most invasive fungal infections. In view of the current limitations on diagnostic capability of invasive fungal infections, most clinicians are often compelled to use antifungal drugs in an empiric manner; liposomal amphotericin B continues to play an important role in the empiric management of invasive fungal infections, despite the recent availability of several other drugs in the azole and echinocandin classes.Keywords: invasive fungal infections, immunocompromised hosts, empiric therapy, polyenes, efficacy and safety