Nebulized amphotericin B prophylaxis for Aspergillus infection in lung transplantation: study of risk factors

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2001 Dec;20(12):1274-81. doi: 10.1016/s1053-2498(01)00364-3.

Abstract

Background: Aspergillus infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Therefore, some strategies have been attempted, one of which is nebulized amphotericin B (nAB); however, the efficacy of this prophylaxis has not been shown clearly. The aim is to study whether nAB can protect against Aspergillus infection in lung transplant recipients.

Patients and methods: A study of risk factors was conducted in 55 consecutive lung allograft recipients. Twenty-three potential risk factors were analyzed. In 44 (80%) patients, nAB was indicated as prophylaxis. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed.

Results: Eighteen of the 55 patients (33%) developed infection due to Aspergillus spp. Multivariate analysis showed nAB to be a preventive factor (odds ratio: 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.69; p < 0.05) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease was an independent risk factor for developing Aspergillus infection (odds ratio: 5.1; 95% CI 1.35-19.17; p < 0.05). Only 1 patient required withdrawal of the prophylaxis owing to bronchospasm. nAB was well-tolerated in the remaining patients with only a few, mild, easily controlled side effects.

Conclusions: The present results show that nAB prophylaxis may be efficient and safe in preventing Aspergillus infection in lung-transplanted patients, and CMV disease increases the probability of Aspergillus infection.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aerosols
  • Aged
  • Amphotericin B / administration & dosage*
  • Amphotericin B / adverse effects
  • Aspergillosis / immunology
  • Aspergillosis / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / immunology
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / prevention & control*
  • Lung Transplantation / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nebulizers and Vaporizers
  • Opportunistic Infections / immunology
  • Opportunistic Infections / prevention & control*
  • Risk Factors
  • Transplantation Immunology / immunology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Amphotericin B