Efficacy and safety of voriconazole in the treatment of acute invasive aspergillosis

Clin Infect Dis. 2002 Mar 1;34(5):563-71. doi: 10.1086/324620. Epub 2002 Jan 22.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of voriconazole in acute invasive aspergillosis (IA), an open, noncomparative multicenter study was conducted. Immunocompromised patients with IA were treated with intravenously administered voriconazole 6 mg/kg twice a day (b.i.d.) twice and then 3 mg/kg b.i.d. for 6-27 days, followed by 200 mg b.i.d. administered orally for up to 24 weeks. Response was assessed by clinical and radiographic change. A total of 116 patients were assessable. IA was proven in 48 (41%) and probable in 68 patients. Voriconazole was given as primary therapy in 60 (52%). Good responses were seen in 56 (48%); 16 (14%) showed complete response and 40 (34%) partial response. A stable response was seen in 24 patients (21%), and 36 (31%) of the infections failed to respond to therapy. Good responses were seen in 60% of those with pulmonary or tracheobronchial IA (n=84), 16% with cerebral IA (n=19), 58% with hematologic disorders (n=67), and 26% of allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients (n=23). Voriconazole is efficacious in treating acute IA.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Aspergillosis / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Pyrimidines / adverse effects
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triazoles / adverse effects
  • Triazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Voriconazole

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Pyrimidines
  • Triazoles
  • Voriconazole