Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(3):132-138

A practice-based observational study on the use of micafungin in Surgical Critical Care Units                                 
 


EMILIO MASEDA, CARLOS A. GARCÍA-BERNEDO, ISABEL FRÍAS, JOSÉ-ALEJANDRO NAVARRO, JESÚS RICO, REYES IRANZO, JUAN-JOSÉ GRANIZO, MARÍA-JOSÉ VILLAGRÁN, ENRIC SAMSÓ, FERNANDO GILSANZ ON BEHALF OF THE MYCREA STUDY GROUP      
        

 

Introduction. Echinocandins are first-line therapy in critically ill patients with invasive Candida infection (ICI). This study describes our experience with micafungin at Surgical Critical Care Units (SCCUs).
Methods. A multicenter, observational, retrospective study was performed (12 SCCUs) by reviewing all adult patients receiving 100 mg/24h micafungin for ≥72h during ad-mission (April 2011-July 2013). Patients were divided by ICI category (possible, probable + proven), 24h-SOFA (<7, ≥7) and outcome.
Results. 72 patients were included (29 possible, 13 probable, 30 proven ICI). Forty patients (55.6%) presented SOFA ≥7. Up to 78.0% patients were admitted after urgent surgery (64.3% with SOFA <7 vs. 90.3% with SOFA ≥7, p=0.016), and 84.7% presented septic shock. In 66.7% the site of infection was intraabdominal. Forty-nine isolates were recovered (51.0% C. albicans). Treatment was empirical (59.7%), microbiologically directed (19.4%), rescue therapy (15.3%), or anticipated therapy and prophylaxis (2.8% each). Empirical treatment was more frequent (p<0.001) in possible versus probable + proven ICI (86.2% vs. 41.9%). Treatment (median) was longer (p=0.002) in probable + proven versus possible ICI (13.0 vs. 8.0 days). Favorable response was 86.1%, without differences by group. Age, blood Candida isolation, rescue therapy, final MELD value and %MELD variation were significantly higher in patients with non-favorable response. In the multivariate analysis (R2=0.246, p<0.001) non-favorable response was associated with positive %MELD variations (OR=15.445, 95%CI= 2.529-94.308, p=0.003) and blood Candida isolation (OR=11.409, 95%CI=1.843-70.634, p=0.009).
Conclusion. High favorable response was obtained, with blood Candida isolation associated with non-favorable response, in this series with high percentage of patients with intraabdominal ICI, septic shock and microbiological criteria for ICI.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(3):132-138 [pdf]

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(Suppl. 1):16-18

Usefulness of PK/PD parameters of antimicrobials in the treatment of complex and extremely-resistant infections     

                        
JUAN PABLO HORCAJADA              

Complex or difficult to treat infections should benefit from antimicrobial PK/PD data in each specific situation. In the case of multidrug resistant gram negative infections the optimized use of colistin needs the using of PK/PD indexes. Likewise, in infections of inaccessible sources, PK/PD concepts play a key role in choosing the best antimicrobial and dosage. An example would be the potential role of linezolid in CNS infections. Among fungal infections, symptomatic candiduria by fluconazole-resistant strains are a therapeutic challenge. In this context micafungin could be a good alternative, again based on PK/PD concepts.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(Suppl. 1):16-18 [pdf]

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(6):275-281

Liposomal formulations of amphotericin B: differences according to the scientific evidence     

                        
JOSÉ RAMÓN AZANZA, BELÉN SÁDABA, JOANA REIS              

This article presents an overview of the characteristics of liposomes as drug carriers, particularly in relation to liposomal formulations of amphotericin B. General features regarding structure, liposome-cell interactions, stability, encapsulation of active substances and elimination of liposomes are described. Up to the present time extensive efforts to produce similar or bioequivalent products of amphotericin B formulations, in particular in the case of liposomal amphotericin B, have been unsuccessful in spite of having a very similar composition and even an apparently identical manufacturing process. Guidelines for the development of generic liposomal formulations developed by the FDA and EMA are also summarized. Based on the available evidence of the composition of liposomes, any differences in the manufacturing process even if the same lipid composition is used may result in different final products. Therefore, it seems unreasonable to infer that all amphotericin B liposomal formulations are equal in efficacy and safety.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015;28(6):275-281 [pdf]