scholarly journals Immune Parameters for Diagnosis and Treatment Monitoring in Invasive Mold Infection

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Jenks ◽  
Stephen Rawlings ◽  
Carol Garcia-Vidal ◽  
Philipp Koehler ◽  
Toine Mercier ◽  
...  

Infections caused by invasive molds, including Aspergillus spp., can be difficult to diagnose and remain associated with high morbidity and mortality. Thus, early diagnosis and targeted systemic antifungal treatment remains the most important predictive factor for a successful outcome in immunocompromised individuals with invasive mold infections. Diagnosis remains difficult due to low sensitivities of diagnostic tests including culture and other mycological tests for mold pathogens, particularly in patients on mold-active antifungal prophylaxis. As a result, antifungal treatment is rarely targeted and reliable markers for treatment monitoring and outcome prediction are missing. Thus, there is a need for improved markers to diagnose invasive mold infections, monitor response to treatment, and assist in determining when antifungal therapy should be escalated, switched, or can be stopped. This review focuses on the role of immunologic markers and specifically cytokines in diagnosis and treatment monitoring of invasive mold infections.

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Jenks ◽  
Martin Hoenigl

Infections caused by Aspergillus spp. remain associated with high morbidity and mortality. While mold-active antifungal prophylaxis has led to a decrease of occurrence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in those patients most at risk for infection, breakthrough IA does occur and remains difficult to diagnose due to low sensitivities of mycological tests for IA. IA is also increasingly observed in other non-neutropenic patient groups, where clinical presentation is atypical and diagnosis remains challenging. Early and targeted systemic antifungal treatment remains the most important predictive factor for a successful outcome in immunocompromised individuals. Recent guidelines recommend voriconazole and/or isavuconazole for the primary treatment of IA, with liposomal amphotericin B being the first alternative, and posaconazole, as well as echinocandins, primarily recommended for salvage treatment. Few studies have evaluated treatment options for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), where long-term oral itraconazole or voriconazole remain the treatment of choice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S605-S605
Author(s):  
Pierre Bulpa ◽  
Galia Rahav ◽  
Ilana Oren ◽  
Mickaël Aoun ◽  
George R Thompson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Fosmanogepix (FMGX) is a first-in-class antifungal agent, with a unique MOA targeting the fungal enzyme Gwt1, and broad-spectrum activity against yeasts and molds, including fungi resistant to other antifungal agents. Patients with candidemia often have underlying renal insufficiency or are receiving medications that affect renal function. This analysis evaluated outcomes in patients with varying degrees of renal insufficiency. Methods This global, multicenter, open-label, non-comparative study evaluated the safety and efficacy of FMGX for first-line treatment of candidemia. Patients with a recent diagnosis of candidemia defined as positive blood culture for Candida spp within 96 hrs prior to study entry with ≤ 2 days of prior antifungal treatment were eligible, including those with renal insufficiency. Patients with neutropenia, C. krusei infection, deep-seated Candida infections or receiving hemodialysis were excluded. Subjects were treated with FMGX for up to 14 days: 1000 mg IV BID for 1 day, then 600 mg IV QD for at least 2 days, followed by either 600 mg IV QD or 700 mg PO QD. Patients requiring antifungal treatment beyond 14 days received fluconazole. The primary efficacy endpoint was outcome at end of study treatment (EOST) as determined by an independent data review committee. Successful outcome was defined as survival with clearance of Candida from blood cultures with no additional antifungal treatment. Results 14/21 (66%) subjects had some degree of renal insufficiency: 7 had mild renal insufficiency (GFR:60-89), 5 had moderate renal insufficiency (GFR:30-59), and 2 had severe renal insufficiency (GFR:15-29). 12/14 (86%) completed study treatment, and treatment was successful at EOST in 12/14 (86%) subjects. Decline in renal function was not observed at EOST. 4 had worsening of renal function during the follow-up period; none required dialysis. Renal impairment did not increase exposure of FMGX. There were no treatment-related adverse events. Conclusion FMGX demonstrated high level treatment success with no evidence of drug-related nephrotoxicity, with no dose adjustments required. These preliminary data support the continued evaluation of FMGX in patients with candidemia and renal dysfunction as an alternative to potentially nephrotoxic antifungal agents. Disclosures Pierre Bulpa, MD, Amplyx Pharmaceuticals (Scientific Research Study Investigator) Galia Rahav, MD, AstraZeneca (Scientific Research Study Investigator) Mickaël Aoun, MD, Amplyx Pharmaceuticals (Scientific Research Study Investigator) Peter Pappas, MD, SCYNEXIS, Inc. (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support) Bart Jan Kullberg, MD, FRCP, FIDSA, Amplyx (Advisor or Review Panel member) Sara Barbat, BSN, RN, Amplyx Pharmaceuticals (Employee) Pamela Wedel, BSc, Amplyx Pharmaceuticals (Employee) Haran T. Schlamm, MD, Amplyx (Consultant) Michael Hodges, BSc. MD, Amplyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Employee)


Author(s):  
Q Xu ◽  
H Sarnat ◽  
S Uliel-Sibony ◽  
C Boelman ◽  
M Connolly ◽  
...  

Background: Hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a hamartomatous malformation of one cerebral hemisphere, resulting in refractory epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic features. Hemispherectomy is the definitive treatment, but there is risk of high morbidity and mortality, especially when done in early infancy. Various preclinical studies have shown that dysregulation of the mTOR pathway has an integral role in the development of various epilepsy syndromes, including tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), focal cortical dysplasia and HME. Recently, mTOR inhibitors were proven to be effective in treating seizures in TSC. Methods: We present a case of a 6 day old female with refractory epilepsy despite the trial of 9 anti-seizure medications and the ketogenic diet. As the patient was awaiting epilepsy surgery, an mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin was initiated. Results: After 1 week of the initiation, she had over a 50% reduction in seizures. At two weeks, the parents felt that for the first time, she was making developmental gains. She also appeared brighter and more interactive. Due to her response to treatment, her hemispherectomy was deferred to when she is older, so there will be a decreased risk of complications from the surgery. Conclusions: This case exemplifies how mTOR inhibitors should be considered as a treatment option for patients with HME and refractory epilepsy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 231-238
Author(s):  
Christiane Kulinna-Cosentini ◽  
Michael A. Arnoldner ◽  
Ivan Kristo ◽  
Gerd Jomrich ◽  
Wolfgang Schima ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-413
Author(s):  
Gloria C Chi ◽  
Kaitlin Benedict ◽  
Karlyn D Beer ◽  
Brendan R Jackson ◽  
Orion McCotter ◽  
...  

Abstract We investigated coccidioidomycosis testing and treatment patterns among persons in an integrated healthcare delivery system to identify gaps in diagnosis and treatment. Coccidioidomycosis diagnosis delays were common. Among persons who tested positive, 70% were prescribed antibiotics before positive coccidioidomycosis tests. Antibiotic treatment decreased and antifungal treatment increased after positive testing.


2020 ◽  
Vol 156 (3) ◽  
pp. 348
Author(s):  
Alessandro Di Stefani ◽  
Simone Cappilli ◽  
Ketty Peris

1998 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 493-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
TL Dye ◽  
HD Teague ◽  
ML Poundstone

Lung lobe torsion, although rare in cats, can be seen as a sequela to chronic respiratory disease. Clinical signs may include lethargy, coughing, hemoptysis, and respiratory distress. Lung lobe torsion may be diagnosed using radiography, ultrasonography, contrast bronchography, bronchoscopy, or thoracoscopy. Stabilization with fluids, oxygen, and supportive care followed by thoracotomy and lobectomy of the affected lobe(s) are necessary for a successful outcome. Diagnosis and treatment of lung lobe torsion is described in a 12.5-year-old cat with a history of feline asthma.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document