Impact of special patient populations on the pharmacokinetics of echinocandins.

Impact of special patient populations on the pharmacokinetics of echinocandins. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2015 Jun;13(6):799-815 Authors: Muilwijk EW, Lempers VJ, Burger DM, Warris A, Pickkers P, Aarnoutse RE, Brüggemann RJ Abstract Echinocandins belong to the class of antifungal agents. Currently, three echinocandin drugs are licensed for intravenous treatment of invasive fungal infections: anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin. While their antifungal activity overlaps, there are substantial differences in pharmacokinetics (PK). Numerous factors may account for variability in PK of echinocandins including age (pediatrics vs adults), body surface area and body composition (normal weight vs obesity), disease status (e.g., critically ill and burn patients) and organ dysfunction (kidney and liver impairment). Subsequent effects of altered exposure might impact efficacy and safety. Knowledge of PK behavior is crucial in optimal clinical utilization of echinocandin in a specific patient or patient population. This review provides up-to-date information on PK data of anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin in special patient populations. Patient populations addressed are neonates, children and adolescents, obese patients, patients with hepatic or renal impairment, critically ill patients (including burn patients) and patients with hematological diseases. PMID: 25947367 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Source: Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy - Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther Source Type: research