Antifungals

Effect of fluconazole prophylaxis on candidiasis and mortality in premature infants: a randomized clinical trial

Posted on by Kayla Korzekwinski

JAMA • June 2014

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Benjamin DK Jr, Hudak ML, Duara S, Randolph DA, Bidegain M, Mundakel GT, Natarajan G, Burchfield DJ, White RD, Shattuck KE, Neu N, Bendel CM, Kim MR, Finer NN, Stewart DL, Arrieta AC, Wade KC, Kaufman DA, Manzoni P, Prather KO, Testoni D, Berezny KY, Smith PB; Fluconazole Prophylaxis Study Team.

Invasive candidiasis in premature infants causes death and neurodevelopmental impairment. Fluconazole prophylaxis reduces candidiasis, but its effect on mortality and the safety of fluconazole are unknown. This study was a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial of fluconazole in premature infants. Infants weighing less than 750 g at birth (N = 361) from 32 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the United States were randomly assigned to receive either fluconazole or placebo twice weekly for 42 days.

Changes in the Incidence of Candidiasis in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Posted on by Kayla Korzekwinski

Pediatrics • February 2014

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Aliaga S, Clark RH, Laughon M, Walsh TJ, Hope W, Benjamin DK, Kaufman D, Arrieta A, Benjamin DK Jr, Smith PB
Neonatal invasive candidiasis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We describe the association between invasive candidiasis and changes in use of antifungal prophylaxis, empirical antifungal therapy, and broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotics over time. We examined data from 709,325 infants at 322 NICUs managed by the Pediatrix Medical Group from 1997 to 2010. We determined the cumulative incidence of invasive candidiasis and use of antifungal prophylaxis, broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotics, and empirical antifungal therapy by year.

Triazole use in the nursery: fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and ravuconazole

Posted on by Kayla Korzekwinski

Current Drug Metabolism • February 2014

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Cohen-Wolkowiez M, Poindexter B, Bidegain M, Weitkamp JH, Schelonka RL, Randolph DA, Ward RM, Wade K, Valencia G, Burchfield D, Arrieta A, Mehta V, Walsh M, Kantak A, Rasmussen M, Sullivan JE, Finer N, Rich W, Brozanski BS, van den Anker J, Blumer J, Laug

The management of invasive fungal infections has progressed greatly over the last two decades with the azole antifungals playing a significant role. Related to this class, future research is needed in order to better assess dosing, safety, schedules and areas of use of these agents in infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.